49ers Rookie Safety Malik Mustapha Steps Up Amid Injuries

San Francisco 49ers rookie safety Malik Mustapha is turning heads as he prepares for a significant role in the team’s upcoming games. Mustapha, drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has shown promise and effort reminiscent of seasoned players, earning comparisons to top NFL safeties.

In a recent interview for NBC Sports Bay Area’s “49ers Game Plan,” 49ers General Manager John Lynch expressed confidence in Mustapha’s capabilities, particularly following the injury of fellow safety Talanoa Hufanga, who is sidelined due to torn wrist ligaments. Lynch likened Mustapha to Arizona Cardinals’ six-time Pro Bowler Budda Baker, noting his “100 percent effort all the time.”

Lynch elaborated, “You’re going to see him full speed all the time. There are some things he can clean up in terms of his eyes. I think you only do that through playing particularly at that position. There’s a lot going on.” Mustapha has already gathered 11 tackles and two passes defensed this season.

49ers’ Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff are placing trust in the rookie. Due to injuries among the team’s other safeties, Mustapha is lined up to be a key player as San Francisco faces the Seattle Seahawks. Lynch emphasized the need for Mustapha to focus and hone his skills to meet the demands of his position.

Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen noted Mustapha’s development over the early stages of the season. “I think his strides have come just because he has played a lot,” Sorensen said. “It’s that comfort to communicate and the feel of the game, and I think he’s done a good job with that.”

Mustapha himself expressed his growing comfort with the role. “Yeah for sure, I feel like I’m getting more comfortable with the reps these past few weeks and the game’s starting to slow down for me,” Mustapha told reporters. “The coaching staff and my teammates have enough faith in me and I have that same faith in myself to execute at a high level.”

With seasoned players like Fred Warner setting high standards, Mustapha is poised for an expanded role, embraced by his team’s faith in his potential to rise to the challenge despite being at the beginning of his NFL career.