After the roster teardown that has happened this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers will need a lot of young players to step up next season. Some of the 11 draft picks they have in next month's draft will be expected to emerge in that fashion, but last year's draft class should not be overlooked.
Safety Malik Mustapha, the first of the Niners' three fourth-round picks in 2024, entered his rookie season as a backup. But the absence of Talanoa Hufanga for 10 games opened up opportunity, and Mustapha wound up starting 12 games and playing over 750 defensive snaps last season. His 72 total tackles were fifth on the team, and he played every defensive snap in eight games.
Hufanga left the Bay Area for the Denver Broncos in free agency, and the 49ers have not made a notable signing to replace him (as expected).
So the door is fully open for Mustapha to start from the get-go next season, and it's probably the internal expectation.
Malik Mustapha named 49ers' player most likely to step up in 2025
Pro Football Network has tabbed one player for each NFL team who's most likely to step up next season.
The Niners have multiple candidates who would fit after the offseason roster teardown, but Mustapha got the nod:
"Mustapha, a fourth-round selection in last year’s draft, far exceeded expectations in Year 1. He started 12 games and registered 71 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, and five pass breakups. He played 728 snaps in 2024, but he stands to have even more opportunities next season."
"The 49ers lost Talanoa Hufanga to free agency (Broncos). Mustapha projects as the starting free safety next to Ji’Ayir Brown. San Francisco added depth to the safety room this offseason with Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant. Still, neither offers much competition to the rising star. The 49ers’ defense took a massive step back in 2024, but Mustapha proved to be a huge steal, and his role is set to increase as a result."
Mustapha mostly lined up at free safety last season (517 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus), but he did see snaps in the box (181 snaps) and as slot corner (45 snaps) with a few stray snaps in other spots.
New/old defensive coordinator Robert Saleh seems sure to have some plans to lean into Mustapha as one of the team's best defensive players, and use him all over the place.
That as much as anything pushes the second-year safety to the top of the heap of 49ers players who could break out next season.
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