San Francisco 49ers unexpectedly cut bait on 2023 third round pick and former Alabama Crimson Tide star

One of the bright spots of the 2021 and 2022 Alabama Crimson Tide was the development of tight end Cameron Latu. Latu blossomed into an effective and efficient playmaker at Alabama, earning his spot as a third-round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But one year later, the San Francisco 49ers released Latu on cut day.

Latu, the 101st overall pick, failed to log a snap for the 49ers despite being taken with significant draft capital. The 6-foot-4, 242-pounder totaled 56 receptions, 787 yards, and 12 touchdowns over his two seasons in college.

After joining Nick Saban's program as a 4-star defensive end, Latu benefitted from his athleticism and being surrounded by an incredible cast of playmakers. Latu was never particularly impressive to me, earning a late-round, UDFA-level grade.

San Francisco obviously disagreed, but have realized Latu might need more time on the practice squad. He is eligible to land on any team's practice squad.

San Francisco selected Latu over Adetomiwa Adebawore, Dawand Jones, Dylan Horton, Cameron Mitchell, and Dontayvion Wicks, among others. Talk about a whiff.

Here's NFL.com's scouting report on Latu from 2023

High-hipped pass-catching tight end with run blocking fortitude to mold. Latu’s lean legs and angular frame aren’t made for drive blocking or neutralizing bigger players, but he does a nice job of sustaining move blocks in space. He changes route speed to open throwing windows over the first two levels. There are some issues with focus drops at times, but he plucks throws with good hand extension when possible. Latu could have roster appeal as an F tight end with an average ceiling.