2026 NFL draft: Analysis, grading 49ers’ Day 2 picks

PITTSBURGH — After trading down twice in the first round of the NFL draft, the 49ers finally made a pick on day two, Friday night.

In doing so, they filled a need at wide receiver by selecting De’Zhaun Stribling from Ole Miss with the first pick overall in the second round.

De’zhaun Stribling of the Ole Miss Rebels carries the ball after a reception defended by Xavier Lucas of the Miami Hurricanes in the third quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 08, 2026. Getty Images

Stribling’s calling card is production and speed, combining 216 career catches for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns with the blazing 4.36 40 he burned at the NFL scouting combine.

He will immediately push for a starting job as a rookie as a downfield threat for Brock Purdy.

Grade: B-

Stribling’s speed and production are hard to ignore. And the 49ers will put it to good use. But in taking him, they passed on some other prominent players at positions of need and potentially a better wide receiver prospect in Washington’s Denzel Boston.

What’s next

As of right now, the 49ers will select again at No. 58 of the second round and No. 90 of the third round. With needs at tackle, defensive end, and the secondary, expect them to address those areas as the night goes on.