Sep 9, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Malik Mustapha (3) celebrates the win over Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
While the Jets biggest needs entering this offseason are clearly at offensive tackle and wide receiver, there are some additional needs that may turn out to be of significant importance as well. Among those positions are safety, linebacker and backup quarterback.
One potential Jets target is safety Malik Mustapha out of Wake Forest, so let’s take a look at what he brings to the table.
Height: 5097
Weight: 210
Hand Size: 8 7/8”
Arm Size: 30”
Wingspan: 73”
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
High School: Weddington
Class/Age: Junior
Recruit: 2-star (Rivals)
Film Study
Games Watched: Louisville (2022), Florida State (2023), NC State (2023), Vanderbilt (2023)
Man Coverage: Lacks consistency in man coverage which hurts him from time to time but has enough athleticism and instincts that pro coaching should elevate that aspect of his game.
Zone Coverage: Better in zone than in man with quickness to react to what’s happening in front of him to make plays. Also has the speed to cover ground on deep balls.
Instincts: Heady player who shows good instincts which was a bit part of him being able to amass 175 tackles with 13 going for a loss over his final two collegiate seasons.
Change of Direction: A couple of missed tackles showed up on film for Mustapha which was often the result of playing at 100 miles per hour and needing to change direction to catch a ball carrier that didn’t always end well.
Ball Skills:
Tackling: Does a nice job wrapping up in the open field when he plays under control and hits like a truck if he gets a bit of room to ramp up.
Size/Length: Malik Mustapha is about the average size you’d look for in a safety but hits like a linebacker.
Lateral Mobility/Athleticism: Should test as out as one of the most athletic safeties in this class in Indy.
Football IQ: As previously mentioned, a heady player who rarely finds himself out of position.
Summary:
As of this moment we’d say Malik Mustapha is a likely day 3 pick. However, the big hitting safety will have a chance to boost his stock with a strong showing in Indy. The Jets have a need at safety to go along with Tony Adams. Ashtyn Davis and Chuck Clark may be retained, but adding a young, versatile safety to the room who can also be an asset on special teams wouldn’t be a bad idea for Joe Douglas and company.