49ers rookie duo already look ready for bigger roles after stellar preseason opener

The San Francisco 49ers entered their preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans looking for young players capable of forcing their way into meaningful roles.

De’Zhaun Stribling and Jaden Dugger wasted little time making their cases.

Stribling, San Francisco’s controversial second-round pick, carried his strong training camp directly into Thursday night’s game. The rookie receiver started and quickly became a favorite target of quarterback Kurtis Rourke, catching seven passes for 62 yards early in the second quarter.

His biggest play came on a 32-yard reception down the right sideline, but an 11-yard catch near the goal line may have been more impressive. Stribling tightroped the boundary to stay in bounds, with the call surviving a Tennessee challenge.

The performance only strengthened a case Stribling has been making throughout camp. He has consistently connected with Brock Purdy, including on deep throws, and David Lombardi suggested after Thursday’s start that the 49ers may have seen enough before giving him more work with the first-team offense.

That development has become increasingly important for a receiving corps dealing with significant uncertainty. Ricky Pearsall recently underwent season-ending knee surgery, while Mike Evans has battled a quad injury and Christian Kirk has missed time with a calf issue.

The 49ers used the No. 33 overall pick on Stribling, betting his 4.36 speed and ability to create explosive plays would translate quickly. So far, that bet looks increasingly promising.

Dugger’s emergence has been less expected.

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The fifth-round linebacker earned a start Thursday after repeatedly flashing during camp, where he has lined up at middle linebacker, weakside linebacker and the 49ers’ hybrid “fever” position.

His unusual 7-foot wingspan immediately showed up on his first NFL tackle, allowing him to reach and finish a play from a distance uncommon for an off-ball linebacker. The physical traits explain why players with Dugger’s dimensions normally wind up on the edge, but San Francisco appears intrigued by what those tools can do in Raheem Morris’ more versatile defense.

The 49ers selected Dugger No. 154 overall after he recorded 125 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and four sacks during his final season at Louisiana.

One exhibition game is far too early to declare the class a success.

But through the opening stages of August football, those two are making the rankings look justified.