Malik Mustapha

Summary

Malik Mustapha was selected in Round 4 (#124 Overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest University. After transferring to Wake Forest after one season at University of Richmond, he developed into a team captain and Second‑Team All‑ACC safety in 2023, finishing with 175+ career tackles, three interceptions, four sacks, and multiple tackles for loss in 35 games. Mustapha made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2024, starting 12 of 16 games, recording 72 total tackles, five passes defended, and one interception while finishing 14th in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. His early NFL production earned trust from the 49ers’ coaching staff and reflected his hard‑nosed playing style and instincts. Mustapha’s career has also been marked by adversity and resilience, as he suffered a torn ACL late in the 2024 season and missed time before returning mid‑2025.

Strengths

• Aggressive Playing Style: Lunatic tackler with a willingness to confront ball carriers, frequently finishing hits and imposing style in run support. Reads run keys quickly and attacks the ball downhill, helping limit yardage after the catch and fill gaps effectively.

• Physical Specimen: Mustapha is absolutely ripped for a safety with a Mr. Universe physique that he uses to launch himself like a mortar into ball carriers with little regard for his well-being.

• Finding the Football: Shows glimpses of ball skills and ball‑hawk potential for his bulk despite the fact he operates more as a box safety.

• Resilience & Energy Bringer: Returned from ACL surgery to active duty mid‑season, demonstrating toughness and commitment. Mustapha brings energy and accountability to the secondary.

Weaknesses

• Coverage Consistency: While physical, he can allow subtle separation in deep or intermediate coverage and needs to tighten hips and recovery speed.

• Injury History: The ACL tear from the end of his rookie season and prior injury history could pose durability questions long term.

• Footwork & Eye Discipline: Still developing footwork and anticipation in zone and man coverage against NFL‑level route concepts; occasional late reactions in space.

• Turnover Production Ceiling: His impact plays are solid but not consistently game‑changing yet, with plenty of room to grow once he develops more comfort in the defense.

Outlook

Mustapha projects as a physical, three‑down safety in a multiple‑scheme defense that values run support, aggressive tackling, and versatility in coverage packages. His physicality and instincts make him a natural fit in defensive systems that require safeties to play close to the box in early downs and transition cleanly into coverage on intermediate reads. In San Francisco’s defense under Robert Saleh, Mustapha’s role has expanded due to injuries and roster changes, positioning him as a core contributor alongside rotating secondary personnel. Looking ahead, Mustapha’s upside is as a starting safety capable of anchoring a physical back‑end with leadership and toughness. Continued refinement of his coverage technique and recovery speed will be key for him to maximize his potential in man and zone concepts. If he maintains health after his ACL rehab and builds on his early production, Mustapha has the potential to be a long‑term defensive starter and influential voice in the locker room and is a big reason why the 49ers felt comfortable allowing a high-caliber player like Talanoa Hufanga leave in free agency.