49ers roster 2023: Talanoa Hufanga trains with this NFL legend

Talanoa Hufanga is just a recent example of how the 49ers seemingly find late-round studs in the NFL Draft.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers legend Troy Polamalu. He's a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and he also works out with San Francisco 49ers strong safety Talanoa Hufanga during the offseason.

You probably should know that by now if you're a Niners fan. In fact, you probably heard that a handful of times ever since San Francisco used a fifth-round pick on Hufanga back in the 2021 NFL Draft.

At least we got your attention.

Either way, it's not common for day-three draft picks to become first-team All-Pros within the first two or three years of their respective careers. But, in Hufanga's case, he went from a positive spot starter his rookie season into a full-time strong safety in 2022, turning what was an awfully impressive effort into those accolades, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors after recording four interceptions, a defensive touchdown, two sacks, nine passes defended and five tackles for a loss.

Not unlike his collegiate efforts at USC, Hufanga seems to be making plays when they're needed the most.

Even though it has little to do with football analysis, this team-built Hufanga hype video is worth the watch:

Rooting for a player like Hufanga is easy. He's a likable late-round draft pick who seemingly rose out of nowhere to become the best at his position. Again, those stories are rare. Yet his ascent over the course of the last two years has helped make San Francisco's defense one of the best in the NFL over that span.

Considering he's only 24 years old, there's no reason to expect anything different heading into 2023.

How much are the 49ers paying Talanoa Hufanga in 2023?

The 49ers' recent trend of hitting on late-round draft picks who turn into bona fide contributors, or even superstars, continues with Hufanga.

And, as part of the side advantage, it means the team doesn't have to spend a lot of money on those players for the first four years of their careers, too.

In Hufanga's case, he enters year three of the initial four-year rookie contract signed with the Niners back in 2021, one that'll pay him up to $3.72 million with $240,152 guaranteed, according to Spotrac.

This season, Hufanga will earn a base salary of only $940,000 and will cost just a shade above $1 million against the salary cap.

A bargain.

What is Talanoa Hufanga's role with 49ers this season?

As was the case last year when he earned the starting job, Hufanga will be San Francisco's starting strong safety, working in tandem with last year's starting free safety, Tashaun Gipson.

New defensive coordinator Steve Wilks may have some wrinkles to add to the 49ers defense, so it'll be interesting to see whether or not Hufanga plays closer to the line of scrimmage where he's at his best, or if he's part of a more traditional two-deep safety set.

Either way, knowing that Hufanga made a recent list of the top NFL players under the age of 25 years old is encouraging enough to know that the Niners have a budding star on their hands.

Read more: 3 reasons why rooting for Talanoa Hufanga is both fun and easy

Sure, Hufanga's coverage skills may not be the best, and he can sometimes get burned by savvy route-runners. Also, don't expect Hufanga to win a lot of footraces either.

All that said, though, Hufanga has carried over his big-time playmaking abilities from his collegiate days into the NFL, and the Niners have been the primary beneficiary.

There are no reasons to assume anything different in 2023.

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