49ers camp battle could feature De'Zhaun Stribling vs. Ricky Pearsall

The San Francisco 49ers made two offseason signings that helped reshape their wide receiver room for the 2026 season. They added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency, and the duo figures to play prominent roles in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.

It appeared that the top trio of wideouts would be Evans, Kirk, and former first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall. Then, the 49ers shook things up a bit by using their top draft pick on De'Zhaun Stribling.

NBC analyst Chris Simms recently said he expects a training-camp battle between Stribling and Pearsall for the right to be featured in the 49ers' offense.

"I wouldn't think at pick 33, that they want De'Zhaun Stribling not playing and being one of those one or two guys," Simms said.

Of course, that all depends on where San Francisco's coaches envision Stribling starting out as he learns the offense—on the outside or in the slot. Simms clearly believes it will be a Pearsall-versus-Stribling dilemma heading into camp, so here's a look at what each brings to the table.

Ricky Pearsall enters Year 3

Pearsall showed promise once he got on the field during his rookie 2024 campaign, hauling in 31 receptions for 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

There was optimism that he might be headed for a breakout season in Year 2. Instead, injuries hampered his progress, and Pearsall finished with just 36 catches for 528 receiving yards—without finding the end zone.

It wasn't the sophomore year that fans—or the 49ers—had hoped for.

Pearsall has had two years to learn Shanahan's offense, which should give him an advantage heading into his 2026 campaign. And he's had time to build a rapport with Brock Purdy, proving to be a trustworthy target (when available) for the quarterback. He's had just one dropped pass in each of the last two seasons, per Pro Football Focus.

His route-running precision and reliable hands could give him an edge.

The challenger: De'Zhaun Stribling

While Pearsall's experience gives him an advantage, Stribling's lack of experience could be a disadvantage as he battles for playing time while learning Shanahan's offense, which has proven challenging for young receivers in the past. Many have struggled early on to master the precision timing and run blocking required to contribute.

However, the 6-foot-2, 207-pound Stribling is already a strong blocker and was viewed internally as the best blocking wideout in the draft.

"When you watch a guy with that size, and how physically he runs with the ball, you assume he's a good blocker," Shanahan said. "And then to hear the people who are further along than I was (in the evaluation process) say he's the best blocker in the draft—he has elite blocking skills. And then to confirm it after that, it was real cool to watch."

Stribling's physicality and vertical speed could set him apart. If Shanahan seeks a new outside threat who can beat press coverage, it could eventually be Stribling lining up opposite Evans until he's needed to replace the veteran.

Here is how the Pearsall and Stribling match up, including their respective NFL Scouting Combine workout numbers.

Training camp outlook

With more experience under his belt in Shanahan's system and having already hauled in passes from Purdy, Pearsall could take the early lead in a potential training camp battle. But after the pads come on and red-zone drills intensify, Stribling could start to close the gap.

If the rookie starts making flash plays and winning some 50/50 ball battles, Shanahan and his coaches could consider rethinking the depth chart.