The San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver room appears to be an ideal environment for a talented young player like rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. Much of that has to do with the veteran presence in the room, including Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and others.
Stribling has stood out throughout training camp and the preseason. Initially viewed as a player who might need time to develop before taking on a significant role, the rookie now appears poised to make an impact during his first NFL season.
Quarterback Brock Purdy is excited about the 49ers' revamped receiving corps this season, particularly the opportunity for a young player like Stribling to learn from the veterans around him.
"It's cool just for me to sort of look at the receiver room and see Mike Evans and Demarcus Robinson, having Deebo back, some older guys," Purdy told reporters in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday (Monday in the United States). "And then, you've got Stribling to be able to go and learn from those guys.
"You can see him out on the practice field, in between periods and stuff, just talking and going over routes and stuff. I just think, overall, just for Stribling—and Stribling knows it—how blessed he is to have that kind of room, those older vets and stuff where he can learn."
Purdy also praised Stribling's humility and professionalism, noting that the rookie understands he still has plenty to learn if he hopes to build a long and successful NFL career.
"He knows that he's young, and he's got to learn, and all that kind of thing, and he's doing that," Purdy said. "So that's why we all love Stribling, is because he's willing to learn."
Evans even named Stribling as his unsung hero in the 49ers locker room.
"He's going to be a great player, and he's going to help us out a lot this year," Evans said.
The veteran added, "He's physical, he's tough, great hands, really smart, and he's low maintenance."
Stribling has maintained the right mindset since his first day with the 49ers. The rookie has embraced the opportunity to learn and has consistently approached his development like a student of the game.
"From day one until now, trying to come in, learn the playbook, be where he needs to be, compete, go up and get the ball," Purdy said. "Stuff like that, that he's shown early on, he's still doing now, which is cool. But I just feel like he's a little bit more savvy now and understands, right when he breaks the huddle, what he's got, and then he can go run his route confidently and not overthink things—but just go out and play.
"So I'm really excited to see him in Week 1 and what he does this year."
Stribling's rapid development could be particularly important for the 49ers, who have undergone significant changes at wide receiver this offseason. San Francisco appears to have created an environment where Stribling can learn from savvy veterans, develop, and compete for meaningful snaps as a rookie.
Mentioned in this article: Mike Evans, Brock Purdy, Demarcus Robinson, Deebo Samuel, De'Zhaun Stribling
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