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49ers Rookie Stock Watch After 2 Preseason Games

Who's stock is on the rise?
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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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. 

49er
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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. 

Will Pauling 

Pauling is pushing to make the roster as a return man. 

James Thompson

Thompson is making a strong push to make the team as a depth option.

Bryson Eason

Eason is a prime practice squad candidate.

Wesley Grimes

Grimes has flashed a lot in the preseason.

Jalen Stroman 

Stroman has practice squad hopes.

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Parker Hurley
PARKER HURLEY

Parker Hurley is a Pittsburgh native and IUP alumni with a deep-rooted passion for football and a decade of experience analyzing the game. Since 2016, he had extensively covered the Chicago Bears, serving as the site manager for Bear Goggles On from 2017 to 2023. During that time, Parker published hundreds of articles per month and led content strategy across written, audio, and video formats. Parker has also produced podcasts, blogs, and YouTube content focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL betting trends, and league-wide analysis. His work blends film breakdowns, statistical insight, and timely news reaction to deliver clear, actionable content for fans and bettors alike. Now, Parker contributes NFL coverage across multiple platforms, expanding his scope to include teams like the San Francisco 49ers and broader NFL narratives. Whether he’s analyzing rookie development or evaluating playoff contenders, Parker’s top priority is helping readers understand the game on a deeper level. He brings passion, clarity, and consistency to everything he writes, always aiming to educate, engage, and elevate the football conversation.

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