What can 49ers expect from last year’s late-round draft picks?

Talanoa Hufanga

Draft round: 5

Rookie story: The safety out of USC played nearly every game for the 49ers, making three starts and showing out on special teams.

Potential for 2022: If any of the late-round picks from 2021 is going to make a significant leap forward for the Niners, Hufanga is the safest bet.

The fact that Hufanga was able to earn nearly 400 snaps on defense in his first year gives him a lot of tape to learn from, and that experience should serve him doubly well knowing how much he split time between free safety and playing up in the box.

Hufanga’s coverage skills are mediocre and therein lies his weakness, but if Demeco Ryans can deploy him accordingly and lean into his strengths as a fluid tackler who excels against the run. Could be a starter as a box safety early on and grow with further experience and reps that allow the mental part of the game to slow down for him.