49ers Rookie Stock Watch After 2 Preseason Games

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49ers Rookie Stock Watch After 2 Preseason Games

Originally posted on San Francisco 49ers on SI
By Parker Hurley | Last updated Aug 24, 2026 6:00 PM ET

Now that the San Francisco 49ers have played two preseason games, what do the rookie class expectations look like? What will the 49ers draft picks' roles be in Week 1?

San Francisco 49ers Rookie Stock Watch After Preseason Week 2

De’Zhaun Stribling

Stribling has been one of the best wide receivers of the entire preseason. With at least 6 targets, he is seventh in yards, but fourth in yards per route run, and first in PFF Grade. The only question now is how many snaps and targets he gets in Week 1, with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Demarcus Robinson also in the mix.

Romello Height

Height has 31 snaps in the preseason, with 22 as a pass rusher and nine against the run. Expect a similar split in the regular season. The alarming number is zero pressures on 22 rushes, though.

Kaelon Black

Black looked great, hauling eight carries for 33 yards in his preseason debut. Jordan James is back at practice, but Black should be the backup.

Gracen Halton

Halton was held out of the 49ers' second preseason game due to injury. It is unfortunate because he excelled last week.

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Carver Willis

Connor Colby is working at right guard, while Robert Jones and Austen Pleasants are not healthy. On the flip side, Willis is the one who protected Brock Purdy when the starters played in the preseason. He should start in Week 1.

Ephesians Prysock

Prysock has 74 total snaps in the preseason and has looked solid in coverage. He missed a tackle and has not done well containing the edge. A year on the bench behind Renardo Green could help.

Jaden Dugger

Dugger has been one of the best 49ers developments in the preseason. He has looked great in 62 snaps as the backup to Fred Warner. The question is whether he can get on the field as the third linebacker.

Enrique Cruz

Cruz has 81 snaps, all at left tackle. They are letting him work things out and not moving him around. This makes sense considering this year will be a redshirt season for him to develop.