2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Wake Forest S Malik Mustapha

From now until the 2023 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Wake Forest S Malik Mustapha.

#3 Malik Mustapha/S Wake Forest – 5097, 210 lbs. (Junior)

MEASUREMENTS

THE GOOD

– Explosive downhill range; covers good amount of ground
– Makes his presence felt in the run game; powerful kid with bad intentions
– Tone setter with his blend of physicality and demeanor
– Legit range to work in pursuit
– Great instincts in the box and run game; takes proper angles and remains disciplined
– Projects very well to special teams; good straight-line athlete with physicality
– Experience playing all over the field; reps in two high, single high, slot and in the box

THE BAD

– Short stepper who has limited range playing from depth
– Shorter frame with shorter tackle radius
– Doesn’t make a ton of plays in the passing game; late to react too often
– Can get fooled by play action and misdirection
– Some hip tightness when opening up in deep coverage

BIO

– Started 22 games during his Wake Forest career
– Finished 2023 season with 80 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception and two pass breakups
– Ended his Demon Deacon career with 175 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks, three interceptions, 10 pass breakups and four forced fumbles
– Served as a team captain during the 2023 season
– Spent one season (2022) with the Richmond program
– Participated in the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl
– Attended Weddington High School in Charlotte, North Carolina
– Unranked recruit in the 2020 recruiting class
– Family is of Nigerian descent

TAPE BREAKDOWN

Mustapha makes his biggest impact in the run game, where he is adept at playing in the box or running the alley.