49ers QB Brock Purdy Heaps Praise on De'Zhaun Stribling's Early Impact

High praise.

Aug 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'zhaun Stribling (15) attempts to catch a pass over Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Deane Leonard (33) during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The second-round draft pick of De'Zhaun Stribling deserves the hype, but it's important to remember that this is still preseason. It's so early in his debut season and he's learning the ropes every single day.

He's learning the culture, the many schematics head coach Kyle Shanahan will want him to understand, and naturally, he will be rough around the edges. But he will only continue to grow.

Brock Purdy was recently interviewed on The Pat McAfee Show, where he discussed the 49ers’ offseason additions at wide receiver. Speaking specifically about Stribling, Purdy said: "Obviously, really excited about him. He's a smart kid. He's come in, learned our offense. He's got strong hands, great route runner, all the things—the reasons why we drafted him. He's showing it and proving it.

"But I think just having him in there with a guy like Mike, Deebo, Demarcus Robinson, we've got a great room of receivers. And so, for him to be able to learn from them, but also be able to go out and show that he's willing to be in that starting rotation, he has shown that at camp.

"So, we're all really excited about him. We're going to have his back this year. It's a long year as a rookie; we get it, but he's shown flashes. So, we're all really excited about him."

Aug 6, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (15) during training camp at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Across both preseason games against the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers, Stribling hauled in 11 receptions from 13 targets for 109 yards, averaging 9.9 yards per catch while recording six receiving first downs. The negatives were one incompletion, one drop and no touchdowns, but no one can or should expect perfection, especially this early in his rookie season.

Purdy had a chance to play with Stribling in a game situation on the opening drive, connecting with him for gains of 11 yards and two seven-yard receptions, compared to a 21-yard reception with Mac Jones later in the game. So, there is plenty to learn and gauge from after many days of training camp.

San Francisco are getting him to be as adaptable and versatile as possible, as his involvement could become that much more significant come Week 1. Ricky Pearsall won't play a single snap after undergoing season-ending surgery, while Deebo Samuel and Mike Evans are older and potentially more injury-prone. Giving Stribling experience across all areas of the offense this early could be huge for his development.

He should sit out the final preseason game to ensure he is fully fit and ready for the season opener in Australia.