The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of questions to answer at wide receiver heading into the 2026 season, but according to receivers coach Leonard Hankerson, several of the team's young players are already showing the kind of work ethic and preparation that could help them earn opportunities. On Saturday, Hankerson spoke to reporters (h/t Grant Cohn for the video) and had high praise for rookies De'Zhaun Stribling, Wesley Grimes, and Will Pauling. The wide receivers coach pointed particularly to what the rookies did after the team's organized team activities.
Rather than simply going home when OTAs ended, the young receivers stayed around, continued studying the playbook, and put in additional work in the weight room. For Hankerson, that commitment is already showing up on the field. "They're seeing the fruits of their labor," Hankerson said.
That's an important part of the process for young players trying to break into Kyle Shanahan's offense. There isn't necessarily going to be special treatment simply because a player is a rookie. If they want to play, they have to prove they can handle the responsibilities. Hankerson said the young receivers have to pick up the offense quickly, understand the details of their assignments and be able to play fast, physical and confident.
Perhaps most importantly, they have to know exactly what their role is. And sometimes that includes blocking, something Shanahan and his staff demand from their wideouts.
Versatility could be critical
One way the 49ers are helping their young receivers prepare is by moving them around. Hankerson said the receivers are being cross-trained at the F, X and Z positions. The goal isn't simply to give players more things to memorize. It's about teaching them how to think and adapt.
That versatility could become especially valuable once the regular season arrives. Injuries are inevitable over the course of an NFL season, and a receiver who can step into multiple roles gives the coaching staff more options. It also gives the player more opportunities to get on the field.
Stribling appears to be benefiting from that approach. Hankerson praised the rookie's hands and football intelligence, saying Stribling has shown a natural ability to make strong catches and attack the football, particularly when making contested catches over the middle.
Stribling has primarily worked at the F and X positions, but Hankerson said he can move over to Z when necessary. That's exactly the kind of versatility that can help a young receiver carve out a role.
Grimes showing why his physical tools matter
Grimes is another rookie who has caught Hankerson's attention. The receiver brings an intriguing combination of size, toughness, and speed. But like most rookies, he has had to work through the process of learning an NFL offense.
Hankerson described that early learning process as a bit of a "swimming" curve for rookies, but Grimes has done a phenomenal job learning where he needs to line up and how to run his routes. That's often one of the biggest hurdles for young receivers.
Having the physical ability to play in the NFL is one thing. Knowing exactly where to be and what to do within Shanahan's offense is another. The more quickly Grimes can eliminate those mental mistakes, the more his physical tools can take over.
Mike Evans brings a wealth of experience
The young receivers also have the benefit of having veteran Mike Evans in the room. Evans is the kind of player a young receiver can learn a tremendous amount from simply by watching how he prepares and approaches his job. Hankerson called Evans the "ultimate professional" and said having him around has been a great asset for the group.
That's particularly valuable for a room filled with young players who are still learning what it takes to succeed at the NFL level. Evans can provide the kind of knowledge and experience that isn't necessarily found in a playbook.
Watkins showing the value of continuity
While the rookies are getting plenty of attention, second-year receiver Jordan Watkins is also making progress. Hankerson said Watkins has taken a noticeable step forward after spending time working with the quarterbacks, including Brock Purdy, during the offseason.
There's something to be said for continuity. Receivers and quarterbacks develop timing by working together repeatedly. They learn how one another sees certain routes, how throws are going to arrive and what each player expects from the other.
Watkins already has a year of experience in the 49ers' system. Add another offseason of working with the quarterbacks, and it's understandable why Hankerson is seeing a different player. Sometimes the biggest improvement a young player can make is simply becoming more comfortable with the routine.
The importance of the dig route
Hankerson also touched on something as basic as an in-cut, or dig route, and explained why it requires more than simply running across the middle of the field. It starts with speed off the ball.
The receiver has to sell the route and make the defender believe he's going somewhere else before breaking inside. Once the ball comes his way, however, the receiver has to have the toughness and mentality to make the catch over the middle. That's what Hankerson appears to be demanding from this group. It's not enough for a receiver to be fast. It's not enough to have good hands. And it's not enough to understand the playbook.
To earn playing time in Shanahan's offense, these young receivers have to put all of those things together. They have to know what they're doing, know where they're supposed to be, play fast and physical, and have the confidence to make the play when their opportunity comes.
The 49ers still have plenty to sort out at receiver before the regular season arrives. But if Hankerson's comments are any indication, there are several young players making sure the coaching staff has some difficult decisions to make. And that's exactly what San Francisco needs from them.
Watch the full interview with Hankerson below:
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