Trending Now - 49ers' Surprising Selection of De’zhaun Stribling Draws Criticism

WHO:

Niners Nation - De’Zhaun Stribling discussed his journey to the NFL, stating, “I took a long road to the 49ers. After spending time in North Carolina as a youth, I moved to Hawaii, where I was a three-star prospect at Kapolei High School.”

Niners Nation - De’Zhaun Stribling discussed being drafted, stating, “I haven’t really had a favorite NFL team, growing up in Hawaii, but I’ve always liked watching [Los Angeles Rams WR] Puka Nacua’s game. I’m a big fan of him and also loved watching [Pittsburgh Steelers WR] DK [Metcalf] growing up.”

Sportskeeda - NFL fans criticized Kyle Shanahan for the selection of De’Zhaun Stribling, calling it a "nasty reach" and suggesting that Denzel Boston was a better option available at the time.

Pro Football Network - 49ers writer Grant Cohn criticized the selection of De’Zhaun Stribling, stating it was a move "worse than Ty Simpson."

Pro Football Network - The San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling from Ole Miss.

Heavy NFL - The 49ers are considering trading Brandon Aiyuk, a former Pro Bowl player.

WHAT:

NBC Sports Bay Area & California - The 49ers selected defensive tackle Gracen Halton of Oklahoma with the No. 107 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Halton registered 33 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and seven tackles for losses in his senior season.

Niners Nation - A survey indicated that only 10 percent of fans graded the selection of WR De’Zhaun Stribling as an A, while 23 percent gave it an F.

Heavy NFL - The 49ers will have a new look at their wide receiver room heading into the 2026 season after drafting De’Zhaun Stribling.

Niners Nation - Stribling averaged more yards after the catch (YAC) than Omar Cooper Jr. during his college career.

Niners Nation - Stribling averaged 7.3 yards after the catch (YAC) per reception last season, one of the best marks in the nation.

Pro Football Network - Analysts described the selection of De’Zhaun Stribling as a "massive reach" and a "head-scratcher," with some stating it was "worse than the Ty Simpson pick."

Heavy NFL - The 49ers' decision to draft Stribling has led to significant changes in their wide receiver depth chart, impacting veteran roles.

Pro Football Network - Analysts described the selection of De’Zhaun Stribling as a "massive reach" and a "head-scratcher."

Pro Football Network - De’Zhaun Stribling caught 74 percent of his targets last season for 811 yards and six touchdowns.

Pro Football Network - The 49ers drafted De’Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pro Football Network - Analysts described the selection of De’Zhaun Stribling as a "massive reach" and a "head-scratcher."

Pro Football Network - The 49ers' decision to draft Stribling has led to significant changes in their wide receiver depth chart.

Heavy NFL - The 49ers are reportedly still attempting to trade Brandon Aiyuk following the selection of Stribling.

Pro Football Network - De’Zhaun Stribling caught 74 percent of his targets last season for 811 yards and six touchdowns.

Pro Football Network - The 49ers drafted De’Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pro Football Network - Analysts criticized the pick, calling it a "worse pick than Ty Simpson."

Sportskeeda - NFL fans expressed dissatisfaction with the selection of Stribling, labeling it a "nasty reach."

NY Post - The 49ers filled a need at wide receiver by selecting Stribling with their first pick of Day 2 of the draft.

WHERE:

Pro Football Network - The selection took place during the 2026 NFL Draft.

WHEN:

NY Post - The 49ers made the selection on April 22nd, 2026, during the second round of the NFL Draft.

Pro Football Network - The 49ers made the selection on April 22nd, 2026, during the second round of the NFL Draft.

WHY:

Niners Nation - The 49ers had a distinct lack of yards after the catch in 2025, finishing 28th in the league in that category, which influenced their decision to draft Stribling.

Niners Nation - The 49ers had a distinct lack of yards after the catch in 2025, finishing 28th in the league in that category.

Heavy NFL - The drafting of Stribling signals a potential imminent trade of Brandon Aiyuk, as the 49ers are reportedly still attempting to trade him following the selection.

Heavy NFL - The drafting of Stribling signals a potential imminent trade of Brandon Aiyuk.

HOW:

NBC Sports Bay Area & California - The 49ers had not selected a defensive tackle in the draft from 2021 through 2024, except for Kalia Davis in the sixth round of 2022.

Niners Nation - Stribling is noted for his ability to maintain speed after the catch, which is an asset in the 49ers' passing attack that is heavy on crossing patterns and throws across the middle.

Pro Football Network - Stribling's performance included catching four of six contested targets, showcasing his ability to make plays in tight coverage.

Pro Football Network - Stribling ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and had a broad jump in the 82nd percentile.

Pro Football Network - The 49ers reached for Stribling at the 33rd pick, which was met with criticism from analysts and fans alike.

(UPDATED April 25, 2026 21:07 UTC)

The 49ers have chosen defensive tackle Gracen Halton from Oklahoma with the No. 107 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, after he recorded 33 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and seven tackles for losses during his senior season. In a recent survey, only 10 percent of fans rated the selection of wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling as an A, while 23 percent gave it an F. Notably, the 49ers had not picked a defensive tackle in the draft from 2021 through 2024, aside from Kalia Davis in the sixth round of 2022.

(UPDATED April 25, 2026 17:10 UTC)

The San Francisco 49ers are set to revamp their wide receiver room for the upcoming season with the addition of De’Zhaun Stribling, who shared his journey to the NFL, highlighting his time as a three-star prospect at Kapolei High School in Hawaii. Stribling, known for his impressive ability to gain yards after the catch, averaged more YAC than Omar Cooper Jr. during his college career, a skill that the 49ers desperately need after finishing 28th in the league in that category last season. His speed after the catch will be a valuable asset in the 49ers' passing attack, which often relies on crossing patterns and throws across the middle.

(UPDATED April 25, 2026 15:09 UTC)

De’Zhaun Stribling, who was recently drafted by the 49ers, shared that he didn't have a favorite NFL team growing up in Hawaii, but he admired players like Puka Nacua and DK Metcalf. Last season, Stribling showcased his skills by averaging 7.3 yards after the catch per reception, which ranks among the best in the nation. This ability to maintain speed after the catch is particularly valuable for the 49ers, who struggled with yards after the catch last season, finishing 28th in the league in that category.

(UPDATED April 25, 2026 13:17 UTC)

on Wednesday, the 49ers made a controversial decision during the second round of the NFL Draft by selecting De’Zhaun Stribling, which has drawn criticism from fans and analysts who labeled it a "massive reach" and even compared it unfavorably to the Ty Simpson pick. This choice has led to significant changes in the team's wide receiver depth chart and raised speculation about a potential trade involving Brandon Aiyuk, as the 49ers are reportedly still looking to move him. Stribling's performance in college included catching four of six contested targets, highlighting his ability to make plays in tight coverage.

(UPDATED April 25, 2026 09:13 UTC)

The San Francisco 49ers have faced criticism for their selection of De’Zhaun Stribling, who was picked 33rd overall in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Wednesday. Analysts have described the choice as a "massive reach" and a "head-scratcher," with Pro Football Network writer Grant Cohn going so far as to say it was a move "worse than Ty Simpson." Last season, Stribling caught 74 percent of his targets, totaling 811 yards and six touchdowns.

(UPDATED April 25, 2026 05:33 UTC)

The San Francisco 49ers' decision to draft De’Zhaun Stribling has raised eyebrows among analysts, who have called the selection a "massive reach" and a "head-scratcher." Following this pick, the team is making significant changes to their wide receiver depth chart and is reportedly still looking to trade Brandon Aiyuk. Stribling's performance in college included catching four of six contested targets, highlighting his ability to make plays in tight coverage.

(UPDATED April 25, 2026 03:54 UTC)

Pro Football Network's Grant Cohn has criticized the San Francisco 49ers' selection of De’Zhaun Stribling, calling it a move "worse than Ty Simpson." Last season, Stribling caught 74 percent of his targets, racking up 811 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a receiver. He also impressed scouts with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and a broad jump that placed him in the 82nd percentile.

(UPDATED April 25, 2026 01:21 UTC)

The San Francisco 49ers made headlines on Wednesday by selecting wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling from Ole Miss with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This choice has drawn significant criticism, with analysts labeling it a "worse pick than Ty Simpson" and fans calling it a "nasty reach." Despite the backlash, the 49ers aimed to fill a need at wide receiver with this selection, which was their first pick on Day 2 of the draft. Additionally, reports suggest that this move could signal an imminent trade involving Brandon Aiyuk, a former Pro Bowl player. As the dust settles from the draft, the 49ers are now weighing their options regarding Aiyuk's future with the team.