- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,210,061
- Reaction score
- 59
In Kyle Shanahan’s offensive ecosystem, a wide receiver's ability to run routes and catch passes is only half the battle. If a player refuses to block on the edge or crack down on linebackers in the run game, they'll less likely to see the field.
Fortunately for 2026 second-round rookie wideout De’Zhaun Stribling, he has already mastered the art of the dirty work, earning high praise from veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Appearing on NBC Sports Bay Area's 49ers Talk with Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan, Juszczyk recounted a specific moment from organized team activities (OTAs) where the Ole Miss product proved his competitive grit.
"He’s big, he’s fast, he’s physical," Juszczyk said of Stribling. "I love—and I think it was our second OTA—he was asked to cut off the defensive end on the backside of the ball, and he so willingly and impressively did so. Like threw his body in there with no hesitation... stick his face into a defensive lineman, I was really impressed."
For a young receiver trying to make a roster, showing that level of fearlessness in front of an All-Pro blocker like Juszczyk is gold. Shanahan’s outside-zone running scheme relies entirely on wide receivers sealing off the backside of the play to turn eight-yard gains into sixty-yard touchdowns.
Stribling, who stands at 6-foot-2 and brings a physical presence to the perimeter, already has the raw tools to be a tough matchup for defensive backs. But by demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice his body against defensive linemen before the pads are even on, he has shown the coaching staff that he possesses the exact mindset required to play receiver in San Francisco.
He faces a crowded depth chart, but his blocking acumen gives him a distinct advantage.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers top draft pick impresses 10-time Pro Bowler for important reason
Continue reading...
Fortunately for 2026 second-round rookie wideout De’Zhaun Stribling, he has already mastered the art of the dirty work, earning high praise from veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Appearing on NBC Sports Bay Area's 49ers Talk with Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan, Juszczyk recounted a specific moment from organized team activities (OTAs) where the Ole Miss product proved his competitive grit.
"He’s big, he’s fast, he’s physical," Juszczyk said of Stribling. "I love—and I think it was our second OTA—he was asked to cut off the defensive end on the backside of the ball, and he so willingly and impressively did so. Like threw his body in there with no hesitation... stick his face into a defensive lineman, I was really impressed."
For a young receiver trying to make a roster, showing that level of fearlessness in front of an All-Pro blocker like Juszczyk is gold. Shanahan’s outside-zone running scheme relies entirely on wide receivers sealing off the backside of the play to turn eight-yard gains into sixty-yard touchdowns.
Stribling, who stands at 6-foot-2 and brings a physical presence to the perimeter, already has the raw tools to be a tough matchup for defensive backs. But by demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice his body against defensive linemen before the pads are even on, he has shown the coaching staff that he possesses the exact mindset required to play receiver in San Francisco.
He faces a crowded depth chart, but his blocking acumen gives him a distinct advantage.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers top draft pick impresses 10-time Pro Bowler for important reason
Continue reading...
