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Talanoa Hufanga 2023 NFL Player Outlook: A Top-Five DB
1 year agoSan Francisco 49ers defensive back Talanoa Hufanga was a sleeper for some of us going into last year, but the level of his breakout was unexpected. Because the USC product continues to face questions about his overall speed and ability in coverage, few expected him to tie for third amongst all DBs in INTs last year. What was unsurprising was Hufanga's effectiveness near the line of scrimmage, though. The big safety was regularly used on blitzes and at the line of scrimmage, which is why he nearly cracked 100 tackles last year. He also finished sixth amongst DBs in sacks, seventh in sack yards, and seventh in forced fumbles. Hufanga's age (23) and his role on the NFL's top defense suggest his production could get even better this year, too. That is especially the case in IDP leagues prioritizing sacks and TFLs, since new 49ers defensive coordinator brought the blitz 7.2% more often than Demeco Ryans did with San Francisco last year. Consider Hufanga the poor man's Derwin James, and a nice consolation prize if someone snags James and Jalen Pitre before you target a DB.
