Malik Mustapha is a Rare Bright Spot for the 49ers in 2024

2024 is the season from the abyss for the San Francisco 49ers.

Hardly anything went right for them. Injuries, regression, and poor personnel decisions hurt the 49ers this year. However, in a season that was mostly dark, rookie safety Malik Mustapha is a rare bright spot for the 49ers in 2024.

“I think he’s been really good,” said defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. “I think, like I’ve said all year, he is an accountable guy that always wants to improve and his style has shown up all year. That’s the one thing that’s cool is who he was when we talked to him and everything you learn about guys when you’re going through the process of learning the player, that showed up. Who he is, but also the style of play that we saw on tape in college, that showed up. And that’s what I think jumps out to a lot of people. But I think more so behind the scenes of who he is, is really cool.”

No one could’ve foreseen Mustapha being this impressive in his rookie season. Being a fourth-round draft choice penciled him in as a depth/special teams player. But injuries and underwhelming performances at safety allowed Mustapha to step in.

He wowed the coaches in training camp and the preseason to entice them to play him. Sure enough, Mustapha got the green light to play defensive snaps and eventually snap. He has made the most of his opportunities and is establishing himself to be a future core player of the 49ers.

“I think he’s got a bright future,” Sorensen said. “He’s just got to, it’s a big jump. You hope for a big jump from guys from year one to year two. That’s always a huge difference from your rookie year to your second year. So you kind of hope to expect that jump. But it starts with how they evaluate themselves in the offseason and what they do right away. The best thing they can do is get with veteran guys that have had success and just learn from them. Talk to as many guys as you can, especially the guys that have had success and actually learn from them because it is a long, continuous year.”

Hopefully, Mustapha will heed the excellent advice from Sorensen. The 49ers’ safety position is putrid. They can strengthen it if Mustapha continues on his trajectory. Additions will still be needed regardless of his ascension, but it will grant the 49ers desperately needed solidification.

Talk about a fourth round steal so far.

Read more of 49ers on SI

Related Posts

New Red Sox Trаde Pіtch Netѕ Boѕton $78 Mіllіon Rіght-Hаnded Veterаn Hіtter

Time is running out for the Boston Red Sox to complete what their fans and local media would see as a successful offseason. With 37 days until the start of Spring Training, and 80 until Major League Baseball’s official Opening Day, Boston still has not, as one Red Sox blogger put it, “gone for the […]

Dodgerѕ Noteѕ: Kіké Hernаndez Uрdаte After Lаteѕt Sіgnіng, Tаnner Scott to LA??

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Korean utility player Hyeseong Kim on Friday. Although Kim adds another dimension to the Dodgers’ roster, the signing could have negative implications…

Update: Orioles Remain In The Market For Pitching Upgrades

Late last week, the Orioles added veteran right-hander Charlie Morton to their rotation mix on a one-year deal. On paper, the addition (alongside the club’s one-year deal…

BREAKING: 3 NY Mets prospects about to have their breakthrough season in 2025

When a prospect breaks out, it gives teams another potential long-term piece they can build around in the near future. Last year, the New York Mets’ biggest pro

Former Auburn Tigers Pitcher Named an Atlanta Braves Prospect to Watch

An Atlanta Braves beat writer sees the former Tiger as a potential addition to the Braves bullpen in 2025

Max Fried’s new deal among Bleacher Report’s biggest future nightmare contracts

The biggest free agent contract the Braves have ever given out was to Marcell Ozuna, who inked a four-year, $65 million deal in 2021. So, it was always a