NFL Media draft analyst Chad Reuter reviewed the initial slate of NFL preseason games ahead of the 2026 season and assigned a grade to one intriguing rookie from each matchup.
The San Francisco 49ers faced the Tennessee Titans to open their preseason schedule, and the star of the game was rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling. The second-round pick finished the matchup with seven catches for a game-high 63 yards on eight targets.
Stribling's performance earned an A- from Reuter, who then assessed the rookie's play against the Titans. The analyst believes Stribling can help offset the loss of Ricky Pearsall, who underwent surgery to repair lingering damage from last season's PCL injury, ending his season.
Meanwhile, 49ers fans are excited about what they saw from Stribling, the No. 33 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, on Thursday night.
"The second-round pick separated from his man to grab three speed-outs, bouncing off a tackle attempt on the third for a first down that helped set up San Francisco's lone touchdown of the night," Reuter wrote. "Stribling used strong hands and excellent body control to snare two throws above his head, including a 32-yard reception down the sideline on third-and-5. However, he did not bring in a Kurtis Rourke pass that was thrown behind him."
Stribling also finished as the game's highest-graded pass catcher (80.9 overall), according to Pro Football Focus. That mark included tight ends and running backs. His 79.4 receiving grade was also the best among all players in the game.
While Stribling's run grade (52.6) wasn't overly impressive, Reuter sees potential in that area based on the rookie's play against the Titans.
"Stribling showed effort as a blocker in the run game, but veteran edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II shed the rookie on one play," Reuter noted.
Only one player earned a grade higher than the A- Reuter gave Stribling. Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson earned an A for his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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