Four years ago, Cameron Latu took a chance by changing his position. After starting the last two years at tight end for Alabama, it paid off.

Latu became the eighth Alabama player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft after the San Francisco 49ers chose him in the third round, 101st overall. The Crimson Tide had its fifth pick of Friday night’s second and third rounds. Latu heard his name six picks after safety Jordan Battle went to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bryce Young (first overall to Carolina), Will Anderson (third to Houston), Jahmyr Gibbs (12th to Detroit) heard their names called on Thursday night.

Latu was a four-star defensive end prospect in the class of 2018 out of Salt Lake City, Utah. He played in two games his first year, recording one tackle. In 2019, while transitioning to his new role, Latu was mostly a special teams player. But in 2021, Latu began a run of 25 starts in 26 Tide games.

He set a program record with eight touchdown receptions that year, catching 26 passes overall for 410 yards. Latu provided Young with another consistent outlet throughout the latter’s Heisman Award campaign. In 2021, despite missing the opener with an injury, Latu remained a top target. He registered 377 yards (fourth-most on the Tide) with 30 receptions and four more touchdowns.

At 6-foot-4, 242-pounds, NFL.com’s prospect evaluation projected Latu as a “good backup with potential to develop into starter.”

Latu joined Christian Barmore, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Patrick Surtainn II and Jaylen Waddle as other players from the Tide’s 2018 class to be drafted. Two others from that group, Emil Ekiyor Jr. and Jaylen Moody are still available in the 2023 draft.

Alabama 2023 NFL draft picks

Round 1

• 1. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
• 3. Will Anderson, Houston Texans
• 12. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Round 2

• 45. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions

Round 3

• 65. Tyler Steen, Philadelphia Eagles
• 70. Byron Young, Las Vegas Raiders
• 95. Jordan Battle, Cincinnati Bengals
• 101. Cameron Latu, San Fransico 49ers

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].