The 49ers used their second sixth-round pick, No. 202 overall, on pass rusher Pita Taumoepenu from Utah.
Who is he?: Taumoepenu (tao-MO-eh-pen-new) grew up in Tonga where he played rugby. He was a pass-rush specialist for the Utes over the last three seasons. Last year he started only four games but finished with 34 tackles — nine behind the line of scrimmage — nine sacks and three forced fumbles. Two of his sacks came in the Foster Farms Bowl against Indiana at Levi’s Stadium. He was teammates with fourth-round pick Joe Williams, a running back.
How he fits: Taumoepenu said he wasn’t sure whether the 49ers would have him play defensive end, weak-side linebacker or strong-side linebacker. Their biggest need appears to to be at right defensive end, the so-called “Leo” spot. That position plays on the weak-side of the line and goes to the team’s best pass rusher. That seems to mesh with Taumoepenu’s role at Utah.
About the Author: Insidethe49
