Santa Clara, CA -- The San Francisco 49ers continued their 2026 rookie minicamp Friday with Day 2 of on-field activities at the SAP Performance Facility. Following two days of physicals, meetings, and installation drills, the rookies got their first full practice reps, showing promise early as they acclimate to the pro level.
The 49ers' 2026 draft class is centered on skill-position players who seem ready to contribute soon, if not immediately. With a deep wide receiver group and established stars at running back, several newcomers are already standing out among their peers.
De'Zhaun Stribling Impresses on Day 1 and Beyond
Second-round wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, the 33rd overall pick, has quickly drawn attention. Wearing No. 15, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound receiver looked sharp during individual drills, showing crisp route-running, solid hands, and reliable ball tracking. During 7-on-7 sessions, his chemistry with quarterbacks Mac Jones (#10) and Adrian Martinez (#4) was evident, sparking optimism that he can carve out a significant role.
Stribling's versatility to line up outside or in the slot gives head coach Kyle Shanahan and offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak valuable flexibility. His ability to get in and out of breaks smoothly, combined with his frame, makes him a notable addition to an already crowded but talented receiving corps that includes Brandon Aiyuk (#11), Ricky Pearsall (#1), Christian Kirk, and Demarcus Robinson (#5).
While Brock Purdy (#13) remains San Francisco's starting quarterback, the rookie minicamp offers quarter reps for all quarterbacks, valuable for building rapport with new targets.
Kaelon Black Could Emerge as Key RB Backup
Fourth-round running back Kaelon Black showed well during Friday's practice. The 49ers envision Black as the primary backup to star running back Christian McCaffrey (#23), who carries a heavy workload and has a history of injuries. Black displayed patience, quickness, and an ability to make contested catches out of the backfield, essential traits in Kyle Shanahan's diverse rushing attack.
With Isaac Guerendo (#31) expected to complement McCaffrey as a change-of-pace back, Black's early strong showing puts him in the mix for significant snaps in 2026. Other backs on the roster include Jordan James (#29), Patrick Taylor Jr. (#32), and Sincere McCormick.
Defensive and Offensive Rookies Show Potential
San Francisco's second-round defensive end Mykel Williams (#98) demonstrated power and flexibility rushing the passer. Paired alongside Nick Bosa (#97), Williams could form a dominant edge-rushing tandem in years to come.
Fourth-round cornerback Ephesians Prysock (#33) impressed with his length and ball skills in coverage drills, potentially increasing competition for snaps in the defensive backfield, which also holds Deommodore Lenoir (#2), Renardo Green (#0), and Jack Jones, among others.
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins (#95), a fourth-round pick, showed expected toughness interiorly, providing gap control that fits well within defensive coordinator Raheem Morris's scheme emphasizing speed and versatility.
Linebacker Andrew Farmer II, selected in the fifth round, brings versatility as a coverage and pass-rushing option. This complements a linebacking corps anchored by veteran Fred Warner (#54) and Dre Greenlaw (#57).
On offense, sixth-round guard Connor Colby (#75) and undrafted tackles Enrique Cruz Jr. and Carver Willis provide developmental depth behind seasoned veterans like Trent Williams (#71).
Undrafted Free Agents Battle for Roster Spots
The 2026 UDFA class includes several hopefuls making the most of their opportunity:
- Wide receivers Wesley Grimes and Will Pauling face stiff competition but bring special teams potential.
- Tight end Khalil Dinkins aims to impress alongside stalwarts George Kittle (#85) and Luke Farrell (#89).
- Defensive linemen Gracen Halton and James Thompson Jr. showcased athleticism during drills.
- Cornerback Upton Stout (#20) attracted attention for his quick feet and competitiveness.
These players are fighting to earn spots on the 53-man roster or practice squad.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Today's session raised anticipation for Saturday's final minicamp practice, which will feature more 11-on-11 work, allowing rookies to showcase their readiness in simulated game conditions. Coaches will evaluate their football IQ, stamina, and execution.
Key areas of focus include:
- Offensive line cohesion under pressure from a deep defensive front.
- Safety position depth with rookies Marques Sigle and Jalen Stroman (S) getting extended reps behind starters Ji'Ayir Brown (#27) and Darrick Forrest (#22).
- Wide receiver competition for depth, with many quality veterans and rookies vying for limited snaps.
- Special teams consistency, especially from kicker Eddy Pineiro (#18), who aims to stabilize the 49ers' kicking game.
Building Towards a Championship Repeat
This rookie minicamp marks the beginning of a critical offseason phase as the 49ers prepare to defend their NFC West title and push for another Super Bowl run after narrowly missing the championship last year.
General manager John Lynch and the coaching staff have groomed this draft class to add both immediate contributors and solid depth across all units. Early signs from players like Stribling and Black indicate this infusion hits the mark.
"They've hit the ground running," said a team source about the rookie group. "The energy is high, and the commitment is clear. This is the foundation for a strong 2026."
With training camp around the corner in July, the 49ers' rookies have a chance to prove their value and build momentum that could carry them onto the roster and potentially into key roles this season.
As practices continue through the weekend, the San Francisco 49ers are stepping closer to fielding a team built for success -- energized by promising young talent ready for the challenges ahead.
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Final ranking assigned at 77 to reflect notable offseason development news featuring significant draft picks and potential impact rookies.