The San Francisco 49ers missed having safety Talanoa Hufanga last season, likely more than they realized. While his last two seasons with the Niners were marred by injuries, when he was healthy and playing well, he was an unstoppable force.
Thankfully, the Niners may have two swings to snag a fitting replacement in the NFL Draft later this month.
There are two intriguing safeties, both out of USC just like Hufanga, who could be a nice fit for San Francisco.
Kamari Ramsey is a highly touted safety who is projected to go late in the second round of the draft.
That just so happens to be when the Niners will have the No. 58 overall pick in the draft.
Ramsey put up solid numbers in college with his best statistical season coming in 2024. That season, he made 60 tackles, recorded two sacks, forced two fumbles, had five pass deflections, and one interception. 2025 was not as impressive, statistically, as he dealt with some injuries, but he still had a fine year.
He’s seen as a solid player, so if the 49ers were able to get him in the second round, that would be a huge boost to the secondary.
If he’s off the board by then, or the Niners choose to go a different direction, they can still take a swing at another USC safety in Round 4.
Bishop Fitzgerald is also seen as a prospect with a lot of upside. He’s projected to go in the fourth round, and San Francisco has four picks in that round, so it should have a decent chance at him.
Fitzgerald had five interceptions last season with the Trojans and had 10 career picks in college. The guy has proven he can make plays, and the 49ers could sorely use that on defense since they only had six interceptions last season.
The triumvirate of Malik Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Marques Sigle has potential, but drafting one of these two players could beef up the position and maybe even open the door for a trade. New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris likes to have strong safeties, so it wouldn't be a shock if the Niners drafted one.
The Niners had luck with Hufanga, and they also did pretty well drafting Ronnie Lott out of USC way back when, so maybe it’s time for them to take a chance on another USC defensive back.