Brock Purdy could have a new toy. Kyle Shanahan might have a new weapon. George Kittle may have a pretty formidable new running mate.
De’Zhaun Stribling, the San Francisco 49ers’ rookie 2nd-round pick, is drawing raves in camp so far, earning praise from cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, nickelback Upton Stout and wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic.
“I ain’t gonna lie – No.1 is his hands,” Lenoir told the outlet.
His fellow corner, Stout, added, “I like the way he uses his hands and his speed. He’s gonna be a good addition for us.”
When the 49ers selected Stribling No. 33 out of Ole Miss in April’s NFL Draft, the move prompted heavy criticism since he had been projected as a later pick.
“But for the 49ers, the logic was simple — they drafted based on team need and secured someone who could have an impact as a downfield threat for Purdy. In fact, the need has only grown, given the health issues with Ricky Pearsall and Mike Evans and the departure of Jauan Jennings.
Lenoir told The Athletic that he’s enjoyed seeing Stribling trust his hands as he’s been using them to make catches that are away from his body.
“He’s got strong fingertips,” Lenoir said.
According to Barrows, Stribling has been lining up as an outside receiver at the F and X positions and has been explosive off of his routes, creating separation from cornerbacks, and has been catching passes in traffic.
Hankerson says it goes beyond that.
“It’s not just that he’s catching it,” the coach said. “He’s strong. He’s attacking. He’s stepping back to [the ball]. With the contested catch situation, he’s able to come down with a lot of those.”
