Why Dan Orlovsky thinks De'Zhaun Stribling, not Mike Evans, is 49ers ‘go-to' WR

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes that a rookie receiver may end up being the 'go-to' target for quarterback Brock Purdy. Week 1 of the NFL is finally here. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots meet for a Super Bowl rematch on Wednesday night before the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers meet in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday night. The 49ers are hoping that they can take on the Rams with a healthy squad. Injuries are always at the forefront when discussing this franchise, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon. Assuming tight end George Kittle is healthy and playing, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes that a rookie receiver may end up being the 'go-to' target for quarterback Brock Purdy. He explained on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday. "De'Zhaun Stribling is an absolute stud and I think he's gonna be the 49ers go to pass catcher.. Kyle Shanahan always does a good job against the Rams because they know each other so well"@danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/9ePoKsBhVW — Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 7, 2026 Article Continues Below 'Stribling is an absolute stud,' Orlovsky said with confidence. 'I remember watching him in the College Football Playoff last season… the Georgia game; he was just absolutely dominant in. I was going, 'This Stribling guy is phenomenal.' There's a little (Michael) Crabtree in him in regards to the strength he plays with.' 'So, I think he is going to be their 'go-to' wide receiver pass catcher. Remember, Ricky Pearsall … no, (Jauan) Jennings is gone, so he is their go-to pass catcher. I still think Deebo (Samuel) and (Christian) McCaffrey will get a ton of touches.' It's certainly a hot take for Orlovsky, but the former NFL QB forgot to mention Mike Evans even once. A healthy Evans will command a ton of targets and make elite plays for the Niners in his first season not in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform. Even though Evans was not mentioned, Orlovsky is still on the right track with Stribling. It may not be this season, but the rookie receiver could become a great player in this league quickly.