49ers rookie De’Zhaun Stribling making preseason history with impressive stats

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, the team's top draft pick, has totaled an impressive 11 receptions for 109 yards through two preseason games. His performances have fans excited about what the first-year player can accomplish in 2026 and his long-term potential with the 49ers.

Stribling hauled in four passes for 46 yards on five targets against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, with three of his receptions moving the chains for first downs.

According to NFL strategist and analytics coach Ryan Paganetti, Stribling has accomplished something no player has done in at least two decades. The 49ers rookie became the first player in at least 20 years to record 11 receptions within the first 20 minutes of two consecutive preseason games.

"The 49ers have to be ecstatic about how this is going," Paganetti wrote.

Stribling's preseason statistics could have been even more impressive if not for a missed opportunity against the Chargers. Quarterback Mac Jones targeted the rookie in the end zone, but Stribling was unable to secure the pass.

"Mac threw it about as early as you can, so I don't think he picked it up until it was about three yards away from him, which makes it a real tough catch," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "But he's got the ability to do it, so he needs to come down with that one."

The 49ers selected Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a decision that some analysts and draft pundits initially criticized. However, the wide receiver has emerged as a standout throughout training camp and has continued to flash his potential during the preseason, helping to justify a selection that was initially viewed by some as a reach.

Stribling and the 49ers have one more preseason game—a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders—before the team turns its attention to the regular season and its Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.