While people argue about draft reaches and consensus regarding the San Francisco 49ers draft class, how about some rational analysis about how second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling can be utilized situationally in Kyle Shanahan’s passing offense?
While Stribling is being labeled a Jauan Jennings “replacement,” the comparison is really about body type. The juice Stribling has is different than Jennings, and while people are worried about his route tree, I blame Lane Kiffin’s brutal offense at Ole Miss. Pop on Stribling’s Oklahoma State tape, and you’ll see a guy capable of running more than digs (15% of his routes at Ole Miss), nines, aka go routes (26%), and curls (25%).
While the rest of Stribling’s route tree develops at the NFL level, the rookie can benefit from Shanahan’s offense, which routinely schemes guys open. Early on, Stribling should be used as Jennings was in 2023 as a third-down option with way more speed.
I’ve found three concepts used to spring Jennings open that Stribling can benefit from as a rookie. All three concepts and clips are from the 2024 matchup with Seattle at Levi’s Stadium.
Play Action Bang/Skinny
The 49ers come out with six linemen, giving the impression of a run, but it’s off play-action, for protection. Seattle is in single high, and Brock Purdy has the “answers to the test,” which is how Shanahan puts his rules in the playcall to beat coverages and protection issues.
If #13 & #48 get depth as the hook defenders, then the answer is the checkdown to Christian McCaffrey. Later in the game, Seattle recognizes the concept in Cover 2, with the safeties taking away the skinny post run by Jennings here, and the mike LB taking away the middle of the field, and Purdy hits McCaffrey for the free money.
Kyle Juszczyk helps Jennings get a free release with the speed motion. When people say Shanahan can scheme Jennings and others open, this is an example. Purdy finds Jennings in rhythm for a nice gain, but the small details are what are at play here, and Stribling can benefit from these types of concepts.
3×1 Bunch Smash/Return concept
The 3×1 bunch to the left of the formation is occupied by Deebo Samuel (return route), Eric Saubert (corner), and Ricky Pearsall (thru route). The number one option is Saubert on the corner, but Seattle in man coverage takes away both Samuel and Saubert. Persall’s route is designed as a chunk play, but also the answer to pressure or as the “hot” read. His route occupies both safeties, which Purdy sees, knowing he’s got man coverage everywhere else.
Seattle brings pressure with their Mike LB and late with their Will LB. While Seattle does a great job wiping away the three receivers in the bunch with their corners and safeties, it leaves Jennings alone with Riq Woolen, and results in a first down on his return route. Allowing Stribling to get these one-on-one looks with no safety help will be a huge benefit for the rookie. First down, 49ers.
Bang/Stutter Rail
The fast motion creates a 1×3 and allows McCaffrey to run the stutter rail from the backfield. With the motion and bunch, the backside routes can be sprung open against man coverage. It can create communication issues with natural picks and rubs. Deebo’s motion actually springs Juice on the return. Samuel takes the nickel and the corner with him as his wide release is meant to interfere with the corner’s angle defending the return.
Seattle is in a two-high safety look, and the Will LB drops into the window for the bang route. The outside cornerback takes the stutter rail away on the outside. The route underneath Jennings is open because of this. The route is deeper than a “shallow” cross, but it’s not quite a “jerk” route either. Jennings is isolated on the Mike LB, and it’s easy money.
Stribling will be in good hands if the 49ers can use him situationally like this early on. Gaining confidence in the offense will be key, as there is a pretty good chance the rookie will have to play meaningful snaps with the injury concerns about the receivers ahead of him on the depth chart. Seeing the ball go through the hoop can really help a rookie. Shanahan can get him going.
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