According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the San Francisco 49ers hosted Alabama tight end Cameron Latu on a pre-draft visit.
"The Crimson Tide's all-time record holder for receiving TDs by a tight end, Latu is a name to watch as the draft approaches," Pelissero wrote in a tweet.
Alabama TE Cameron Latu had visits this week with the #Cowboys and #49ers, per sources. The Crimson Tide's all-time record holder for receiving TDs by a tight end, Latu is a name to watch as the draft approaches.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 6, 2023
Latu registered 30 receptions for 377 yards and four touchdowns through 11 game appearances as a senior in 2022, per Sports Reference. He caught 56 passes for 787 yards with 12 touchdowns over the last two collegiate seasons.
San Francisco has long sought another tight end to pair with its tough but sometimes banged-up tight end, George Kittle. The 6-4, 242-pound Latu might provide the 49ers with a player about the same size as their All-Pro star tight end.
"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," wrote NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein in his scouting report of the draft prospect. "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."
Latu is from Salt Lake City, UT. He earned a pre-draft grade of 6.1 from NFL.com, which equates to a "good backup with potential to become a starter," per the site's 8-point grading scale.
San Francisco has also had conversations with tight ends Zack Kuntz of Old Dominion, Sam LaPorta of Iowa, Brenton Strange of Penn State, Josh Whyle of Cincinnati, and Brayden Willis of Oklahoma.
