49ers mock 2022 NFL Draft after dust settles from free agency
By Peter Panacy
Crimson Tide . Cameron Latu. 262. player. 829. . Tight End
Round 7, Pick No. 262 Overall (Compensatory): 49ers select TE Cameron Latu, Alabama
Ah, yes. Mr. Irrelevant.
The 49ers own the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, meaning they’ll have the honor of selecting the last player on draft day.
And in this case, it’s Alabama tight end Cameron Latu, the converted linebacker who showed up in a big way for the Crimson Tide last season.
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2018 | Alabama | SEC | FR | LB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| *2019 | Alabama | SEC | FR | TE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| *2020 | Alabama | SEC | SO | TE | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| *2021 | Alabama | SEC | JR | TE | 14 | 26 | 410 | 15.8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 410 | 15.8 | 8 | |
| Career | Alabama | 26 | 410 | 15.8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 410 | 15.8 | 8 |
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference
Generated 3/23/2022.
Latu, 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, ran a solid 4.62 40-yard time at his pro day, which isn’t bad for a tight end of his size. And while his blocking technique is a bit raw, and one shouldn’t expect his route-running abilities to be top-notch, he is nevertheless a reliable pass-catching target.
The Niners have long since tried finding a top-quality No. 2 tight end to pair with All-Pro George Kittle. And while that might evade them in this year’s draft, they’ll also need to figure out how to replace fellow tight end Ross Dwelley, who essentially served that role over the last three seasons.
Sure, Latu might not turn into much more than a situational player, but the upside is worth the late-round Mr. Irrelevant flier.
More. 49ers' 15 best first-round NFL Draft picks of all time. light