49ers' stud set to take huge leap into becoming a possible star
The San Francisco 49ers have a guy set to take a huge leap in the 2023 season, such a big leap that he could become a star in the NFL.Sure, the San Francisco 49ers have plenty of stars, but why not have more on the defense too? Sign me up. Safety Talanoa Hufanga is that […]
The San Francisco 49ers have a guy set to take a huge leap in the 2023 season, such a big leap that he could become a star in the NFL.
Sure, the San Francisco 49ers have plenty of stars, but why not have more on the defense too? Sign me up. Safety Talanoa Hufanga is that guy, and he could be very good going into his third year.
Hufanga progressed significantly from year one to year two, so we can only assume that will happen even more in his third year, especially in a defensive system like the one the 49ers and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks have in place. One NFL analyst thinks the same thing.
One of the more underappreciated safeties in the game, Hufanga's coverage numbers significantly improved in Year 2. Opposing quarterbacks targeting Hufanga had a 70.1 passer rating, even though they threw six touchdowns off him. That shouldn't take away what Hufanga was able to do with his opportunities, having four interceptions and nine passes defended. Already a First Team All-Pro, Hufanga finished with 97 tackles and two sacks last season. He had three interceptions through the first seven games last season, becoming a leader on a stacked 49ers defense. An even bigger 2023 may be in store, as Hufanga should solidify himself as one of the elite safeties in football. –Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports
Even though he finished as an All-Pro in 2022, many people still wouldn't recognize who he is on the field. He isn't a guy like Nick Bosa, where most people, even outside the fan base, know who he is. Hufanga is still an underrated guy who could become a star and a guy everyone knows.
Of all safeties that played at least 400 coverage snaps, Hufanga finished 15th in PFF coverage grade with a 74.6. Hufaga also only allowed 354 receiving yards on 35 catches, good enough for the 22nd most of the qualifying 64. He also allowed just 10.1 yards per reception, which is fairly good.
Last season as the interim head coach, Wilks had the Carolina Panthers playing pretty good defense, especially toward the end of the year. He is a defensive specialist that will get the best out of his guys. Hufanga will be one of them, and we see him take that step from an underrated stud to a star player.
Featured Image Via Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
