The NFL front offices clearly had a better read on De'Zhaun Stribling than the draft experts, and they were left wondering why.
No better person to explain it than the head coach himself who led Stribling through Ole Miss' CFP run. That's why Pete Golding took to the podium on Monday, explaining why the negatively discussed "reach" on Stribling is actually justified.
Pete Golding on De'Zhaun Stribling draft pick
"I think to start with Strib, what an unbelievable human being," Golding said.
"I think all the hard work that he put in, and how he carried himself, and what an unbelievable leader he was. Obviously, I think his value increased."
Golding minced his words a bit, but his target was clear when outlining the stunning football skills of Stribling that might get overlooked on the tape.
"You know, the tape is one thing, and he’s a really good receiver. But when you start coming in and researching the type of kid he is and the football intelligence and the want to and everything else. I told a lot of guys, I don’t think there’s any way you can miss on this kid. I mean, he’s four core from day one," Golding added.
"He’s a lot stronger than you think on the lower half. Really strong hands. He’s got elite speed that sometimes I feel like people didn’t notice. And he ran really well but really happy for him. He created a lot of value for himself based on how he prepared, how he played, but more importantly, how he carried himself."
Golding detailed the very reasons that made Shanahan not play the gamble on waiting for Stribling at a later pick. Every quality of the Rebel receiver that Golding lauded fits perfectly in the type of receiver the Niners have been looking for since their 2024 Super Bowl appearance.
"And there weren’t many reasons with Strib where you could sit there and say, ‘I don’t want him in my building.’ Regardless of whether he catches the ball or not, my organization should be better because he’s in it." Golding might have stolen John Lynch and Shanahan's thoughts about Stribling on that one, when they picked him at No. 33.
Sure he needs some finishing around the edges to start, but only a Sunday night appearance can prove how ready Stribling actually is.
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