Breaking:Why Malik Mustapha is the ideal Mid-Rounder to strengthen Minnesota safety Depth

Why Malik Mustapha is the ideal  Mid-Rounder to strengthen Minnesota safety Depth   

 

 

 

The Minnesota Vikings have made significant strides in bolstering their defense this offseason by adding

Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman, all of whom are expected to play crucial roles in Brian Flores’ defensive scheme. These

acquisitions address needs at pass rusher and linebacker, but there are still areas that require attention.

While defensive tackle remains the primary focus for the Minnesota defense,

there is also a need at safety. Although Josh Metellus and Cam Bynum had impressive debut seasons under Flores,

and Harrison Smith restructured his contract to extend his tenure with the team, depth at the position is lacking.

Players like Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, and Lewis Cine have yet to prove themselves

and have struggled to secure consistent playing time, despite Flores’ utilization of three-safety packages. Considering

Smith’s age of 35, this could potentially be his final season, underscoring the urgency for the Vikings to address the safety position sooner rather than later.

Malik Mustapha from Wake Forest could serve as an ideal mid-round addition to bolster the safety position.

Despite being undersized at 5’10” and 210 lbs., Mustapha compensates with impressive speed and strength,

showcased by his remarkable performance at the combine, where he clocked a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and managed 22 reps on the bench press.

His playing style resembles that of Antoine Winfield Jr., another undersized safety known for his effectiveness near the line of scrimmage. Similar to

Winfield, Mustapha excels in run support, utilizing his speed to quickly close gaps and make tackles. He demonstrates aggressiveness in attacking

blocks and blitzing, traits favored by Flores in his safeties, akin to players like Metellus and Jevon Holland.

Mustapha’s downhill approach is evident in his quick acceleration to the line of

scrimmage, displaying a relentless pursuit of the ball carrier. While his physical explosiveness is notable, his

football IQ in run defense is equally impressive, as he effectively reads and reacts to blocks to find the optimal path to the ball.

However, Mustapha’s eagerness sometimes leads to overcommitment, as

he occasionally attempts unnecessary blocks and bites on play-action concepts in the passing game.

Nonetheless, Mustapha has shown improvement in coverage at Wake

Forest, evidenced by his three pass breakups and interception, limiting quarterbacks to a rating of only 79 when

targeted. His speed enables him to  short routes effectively in man coverage and provides exceptional range in various defensive schemes.

Despite his shorter stature and smaller arm length, Mustapha’s muscular build allows him to effectively challenge physical receivers, often dislodging the ball from their grasp. However, these physical traits may present limitations, particularly when covering larger receivers with extended catch radiuses.

 

While versatile safeties are increasingly utilized in slot coverage, Mustapha’s shorter arms could pose challenges in this role, particularly when matched up against tight ends and receivers. Pressing opponents may prove difficult due to this physical disadvantage.

 

The Vikings may opt to deploy him in a traditional safety role, a position where his skills would undoubtedly shine. However, Mustapha could also thrive as a versatile defender similar to Metellus, leveraging his athleticism and relentless energy.

 

Given Metellus’s pivotal role in the defense and the lack of depth behind him, Mustapha could carve out a unique niche early on. Additionally, his hard-hitting style would make him a valuable asset on special teams.

 

Considering Flores’s preference for versatile defenders and Mustapha’s adaptability to various positions, the Vikings would be wise to target him in the middle rounds of the draft.

 

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