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Malik Mustapha

Malik Mustapha Player Profile

Summary

Malik Mustapha is a safety for the San Francisco 49ers who was selected in the 4th round, 124th overall, of the 2024 NFL Draft. San Francisco 49ers A former standout at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (after transferring from Richmond), Mustapha made an immediate impact in his rookie season—starting 12 games, registering 72 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended across 16 games. CBS Sports His physicality, instincts and positional versatility give him a strong foundation, though his size, experience and injury history present areas for improvement.

Strengths

  • Instincts & Playmaking Ability
    Mustapha demonstrated a keen sense for being around the ball. At Wake Forest he accumulated 175 total tackles, 20 passes broken up, four sacks and three interceptions over 35 games. San Francisco 49ers In his rookie year he added an interception and multiple pass breakups in NFL action. San Francisco 49ers

  • Physicality and Tackling
    Even at 5′10″, Mustapha plays with a physical edge—he showed strong run-support ability, aggressive downhill angle, and willingness to hit. Analysts have pointed out how the 49ers’ defense trusted him in big coaching moments. SI

  • Versatility & Scheme Fit
    The 49ers are using Mustapha in multiple safety roles (free safety primarily) and sub-packages. His ability to contribute across varied defensive looks gives him value beyond a single specialty. SI

Weaknesses

  • Size & Length Limitations
    At ~206 lbs and 5′10″, Mustapha is on the smaller side for a starting NFL safety, especially when tasked with covering tall receivers, tight ends, or matching up in the slot. His physical profile may limit certain matchup advantages.

  • Injury History & Durability Questions
    Mustapha suffered a knee injury late in his rookie season (cleated knee in Week 17), and news reports indicate he may miss significant time in 2025 due to ACL/graft surgery. ESPN.com Injuries at this stage introduce risk in projecting his future performance.

  • Intermediate Experience & Technique Refinement
    While his rookie season was strong, his coverage grades (e.g., PFF overall grade ~63.9) are middling among safeties (ranked 83rd of 171) indicating room for refinement in technique, alignment, and consistency. PFF He also will need to refine deep-coverage recovery and his instincts against elite passing offenses.

Fit & Outlook

Malik Mustapha has the physical tools, instincts, and early production to potentially become a long-term starter at safety for the 49ers. His versatility in multiple roles and his willingness to hit and make plays give him a solid floor.

  • If he stays healthy, develops his coverage technique and uses his scheme versatility wisely, he could become a strong starting safety (and special-package star) within 1–2 seasons.

  • Risks remain: his size mismatches, injury history, and the adjustment curve to become consistently elite in coverage. How he bounces back from his knee injury and the role he plays in 2025 will be key signals.