by In the NFL, most of the spotlight goes to star quarterbacks, top pass rushers, and standout wide receivers. But behind every big name, there are players who quietly make a huge impact without much recognition. One of those players is San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha, who was recently named the team’s most underrated player by NFL.com.
This isn’t just hype. Mustapha earned that praise with his tough, energetic, and versatile play during his rookie season—no small feat on a team loaded with talent. Even though injuries might keep him off the field for part of the 2025 season, his strong performance and raw ability make it clear why he’s getting noticed, even if he’s not a household name just yet.
The Genesis of the Claim: NFL.com’s Spotlight
The idea that Malik Mustapha is the 49ers’ most underrated player didn’t just come out of nowhere. It was part of a detailed article by Gennaro Filice on NFL.com, where he picked one overlooked player from each NFC team heading into the 2025 season. Filice made a strong case for Mustapha, especially considering today’s NFL, where teams with big-money quarterbacks—like Brock Purdy and his new deal—need to count on talented young players on affordable rookie contracts to step up and contribute.
Mustapha, taken in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, quickly became one of those key contributors. Filice praised his tough, aggressive style and even admitted he had mistakenly left Mustapha out of past rookie rankings—a clear sign of how easy it is to overlook his impact. Getting this kind of recognition from a major outlet like NFL.com is a solid reason to take a closer look at why Mustapha truly deserves more attention.
From Wake Forest to the Bay: Mustapha’s Journey
Malik Mustapha’s journey to the NFL is a great example of hard work and determination paying off. He started his college career at Richmond, then transferred to Wake Forest, where he really found his stride. Over three seasons from 2021 to 2023, he played in 35 games and racked up 175 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 4 sacks—proving he could do a bit of everything on defense. His strong play earned him Second-Team All-ACC honors in 2023, helping put him firmly on the NFL radar.
At 5’10” and 206 pounds, Mustapha isn’t the biggest safety out there, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with explosive athleticism and nonstop energy. His NFL Combine numbers backed that up—he posted a 41.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-6 broad jump, both signs of the raw power he brings to the field. The 49ers, who have a strong track record of spotting defensive talent, grabbed him with the 124th pick in the fourth round of the 2024 draft—and that pick is already looking like a major steal.
A Rookie’s Impact: Stepping Up When It Mattered
Malik Mustapha’s rookie season with the 49ers was far from what you’d expect for a fourth-round pick. He started off as a backup, but when injuries hit—especially to star safety Talanoa Hufanga—Mustapha was thrown into the spotlight sooner than expected. He stepped up right away, making his first start in Week 4 against the Patriots and holding his own on a big stage.
His breakout moment came just two weeks later in a Thursday night game against the Seahawks. That night, he grabbed his first career interception and helped the 49ers secure a big 36-24 win. By the end of the season, Mustapha had played in 16 games and started 12 of them, racking up over 750 snaps on defense. He finished with 72 total tackles—fifth most on the team—which is especially impressive given how stacked the 49ers’ defense already is. He also added 2 tackles for loss and 5 pass breakups, showing he could make plays in both run support and pass coverage.
But what really made him stand out was his hard-hitting, high-energy style. Mustapha plays with serious intensity—he’s always flying to the ball and never afraid to lay down a big hit. That fearless, physical approach quickly earned respect from his coaches and teammates. While he might not get the spotlight like some of the bigger names, Mustapha became an important part of the 49ers’ defense in his first year.
The Underappreciated Qualities: Why Mustapha Flies Under the Radar
So, why, despite such a strong rookie showing, is Malik Mustapha considered “underappreciated”? Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- Overshadowed by Superstars: The San Francisco 49ers are a team overflowing with Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent. When your defense features players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Charvarius Ward, and Dre Greenlaw, it’s easy for even impactful players to get less individual recognition. Mustapha’s contributions often blend into the overall excellence of a top-tier unit.
- Positional Value: While the safety position is crucial, it often doesn’t generate the same highlight-reel buzz as edge rushers or wide receivers. Safeties are often tasked with being the last line of defense, making tackles, and covering ground, but their contributions can be less flashy than a sack or a touchdown reception.
- Rookie Status: Despite his immediate impact, he was still a rookie. Expectations for mid-to-late-round picks are typically lower, and it takes time for players from these rounds to build widespread recognition, even if their production warrants it.
- Injury Concerns: Unfortunately, Mustapha suffered an ACL injury in the 49ers’ season finale, which puts his availability for the start of the 2025 season in question. This is his second ACL tear, which understandably raises concerns about his long-term health and could lead some to overlook his potential impact while focusing on his recovery. NFL.com’s Filice acknowledged this, emphasizing that despite the injury, Mustapha’s play style is too endearing to go unrecognized.
- Role Versatility vs. Defined Stardom: Mustapha’s versatility, having played both safety spots and nickel in college and showing ability to play in the box, slot, and deep safety in the NFL, can sometimes lead to him being seen as a “jack of all trades” rather than a definitive “master” in one specific, high-profile area. However, in the modern NFL, this versatility is a massive asset.
Fit in the 49ers’ Scheme: A Match Made in Heaven
Malik Mustapha’s skill set is remarkably well-suited for the 49ers’ defensive scheme, known for its aggressive, downhill play and emphasis on strong, sure tackling. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (and the continuity of that defensive philosophy under subsequent coordinators) values players who can attack the line of scrimmage, fill gaps, and deliver forceful hits. This aligns perfectly with Mustapha’s “punishing” play style.
His ability to quickly diagnose plays and trigger downhill makes him an excellent run defender, a critical component of the 49ers’ defensive identity. While his length and top-end speed might not project him as a pure center-fielding free safety in every scheme, his instincts, short-area burst, and tackling prowess make him ideal for playing closer to the line of scrimmage, blitzing from the box, and supporting the run. His versatility also allows the 49ers to use him in various alignments, including potentially slot coverage or in two-high safety looks, adding flexibility to their defensive calls. With Talanoa Hufanga’s departure in free agency, Mustapha is now poised to step into an even larger role, making his “underappreciated” status even more ironic.
The Road Ahead: Overcoming Adversity and Proving His Worth
The biggest challenge ahead for Malik Mustapha is recovering from his ACL injury—his second one, which means the road back will take time, care, and patience. But if he can regain his full speed and quickness, there’s no question that his future in the NFL is bright. The 49ers clearly believe in him as a long-term piece of their defense, and his rookie season gave plenty of reasons to feel excited about what’s to come.
If he returns at full strength, Mustapha has a real shot at becoming a key part of the 49ers’ secondary. His nonstop effort, physical style of play, and growing ability to make plays on the ball—like that first career interception—make him a player to watch. As more people take a closer look at the 49ers’ roster in the seasons ahead, there’s a good chance Mustapha won’t be flying under the radar much longer. He’s earned more attention, and if he keeps progressing, he’ll be moving from “underappreciated” to one of the most talked-about names on the defense.
Final Thoughts: The Ascent of an Unsung Hero
Malik Mustapha’s story is a great reminder that making it in the NFL isn’t just about where you’re drafted or how much attention you get. It’s about having the talent, drive, and the ability to step up when your team needs you. In his rookie year with the 49ers, Mustapha proved he has all of that. He played tough, made big plays, and showed he has what it takes to be a difference-maker on defense.
Right now, people may still call him “underappreciated,” but that label probably won’t stick for long. As he recovers and continues to grow his game, Mustapha looks ready to become a well-known name on one of the league’s top defenses. His journey so far shows what can happen when preparation meets opportunity—and it’s only just getting started. The shoutout from NFL.com is just the first chapter in what could be a standout career. Keep an eye on him—he’s the kind of player who’s built to shine.
Discover more from Web9Story
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
