Though the San Francisco 49ers enter Week 1's showdown against the Los Angeles Rams as clear underdogs, fans eagerly await the debut of rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. The second-round pick has worked his way up the depth chart throughout the preseason, despite playing for a head coach who is known for favoring experienced veterans.
Many wondered whether Stribling's strong camp was enough to solidify his spot on the field. After all, the original plan, according to Shanahan, was to slow-play his role until he got more comfortable with the offense. But since then, Stribling has forced himself into the starting conversation with his immaculate play.
Recently, Shanahan tipped his hand on Stribling's exact role in the most subtle way. If fans weren't paying close enough attention, they would've missed it, as Stribling himself wasn't even the focal point of the decision.
The 49ers' most recently updated depth chart features fellow wideout Deebo Samuel as the team's primary kick returner, which is not usually a role reserved for top pass-catching options. Therefore, it's reasonable to think Kyle Shanahan doesn’t foresee Deebo playing a full allotment of snaps like he did in his first stint in red and gold.
49ers simultaneously clarified both Deebo Samuel's and De'Zhaun Stribling's roles
Before the month of September, Deebo's role was one of the team's biggest unknowns. Now age 30, he is two years removed from his last 1,000-yard season. Nostalgia aside, most rational people can recognize that he is not the same player he was a few years ago. While older, the 49ers have been dealing with a slew of wide receiver injuries, and he remained one of the few healthy wideouts throughout camp.
Regardless, Samuel's special teams duties send a clear message. Top-notch receiving options seldom find themselves returning kicks. The role is usually designed for explosive athletes who have failed to produce on offense for some reason or another (see return specialist Skyy Moore's five total receptions last season).
If the 49ers truly think Samuel will make more of an impact in the return game than on offense, then Stribling has a tremendous opportunity as the number-two wide receiver opposite Mike Evans.
49ers will be relying on a Mike Evans/De'Zhaun Stribling tandem out wide
Evans, when healthy, will be the alpha receiver. That goes without question. With Ricky Pearsall's season-ending surgery, Christian Kirk's calf problems, and Deebo Samuel's age, the secondary receiving option has been a question mark. At the beginning of camp, Stribling appeared to be fourth or fifth on the depth chart, but it looks like he has officially earned himself a starting job.
If Samuel is truly viewed as an offensive afterthought and Stribling a full-time offensive player, the 49ers will have more upside in the passing game than they have in years. Both Stribling and Evans are 6'2" or taller, and Stribling has blazing speed to match. Evans is known for his ability to win one-on-one down the sidelines and will be a formidable force in the red zone.
With George Kittle manning the middle of the field and Christian McCaffrey catching passes out of the backfield, Brock Purdy has the weapons to produce his best season yet. If all goes according to plan, De'Zhaun Stribling will play an integral role in everything the Niners do this season.
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