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 ImagesStribling’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.
Texas Tech linebacker Romello Height attends the school’s NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice) APAfter addressing a big need at wide receiver to open day two of the NFL draft, the 49ers moved to defense to fill a big hole off the edge.
With the 70th pick overall in the third round, the club added Texas Tech pass rusher Romello Height, who earned All-Big 12 honors in his lone season in Lubbock while recording 34 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Height will slot behind Mykel Williams and Nick Bosa in the 49ers’ high-upside edge rushing rotation.
Grade: B
Height fills a big need as a rotational player, but as room to grow with an eye on playing a much bigger role in the future.
Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black runs for a touchdown abasing Oregon Ducks defensive back Jadon Canady during the second half of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesChristian McCaffrey is getting some help.
The 49ers closed out their first active day of the NFL draft on Friday by adding Indiana running back Kaelon Black, who ran for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns last year for the National Champion Hoosiers.
Black was selected with the 90th pick overall in the third round.
He will begin his NFL career as a sidekick to McCaffrey, likely as a change-of-pace back who can help in the passing game and provide relief for McCaffrey.
Grade: B
The 49ers were determined to get McCaffrey some help. Black is a tough, hard-nosed runner who adds value in the pass game and special teams.
What they’re saying
“I definitely had a little communication in this whole process. But very excited to be here, very excited to come in and work, contribute however I can and just help the team win.” — new 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling.
What’s next
Thanks to some wheeling and dealing, the 49ers will have five picks on day three of the draft, four of them are in the fourth round. Their lowest pick on Saturday comes in the fifth round.
They are in an excellent position to add four of the best players still on the board.
Among the prospects to keep an eye on are North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly, Penn State tackle Drew Shelton, Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley and Duke guard Brian Parker II.
