Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
The Las Vegas Raiders are focusing on the future, evaluating prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders hold the No. 13 overall selection in the draft and could go in several directions with that pick. While they missed the postseason in 2023, the Raiders could be only a few pieces away from being a playoff team, pieces they might find in this draft class.
The Raiders were excellent on defense in the second half of the season, but could continue to add talent to that side of the ball through the draft. There is no such thing as having too much talent, especially defensively, when the Raiders face multiple good offenses in 2024.
One player they might not consider at No. 13, but could consider on day three of the draft is Wake Forest safety Malik Mustapha. After transferring from Richmond, Mustapha finished his Demon Deacons career with 175 total tackles, 15 tackles for losses, four forced fumbles, four sacks, seven passes defended and three interceptions.
The Las Vegas Raiders could add athleticism and ball skills to their secondary if they select Wake Forest safety Malik Mustapha in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Mustapha is one of the most athletic defensive backs in this draft class. He made The Athletic writer Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks List,’which Feldman compiles of college football players with extraordinary athleticism. He will be at the Senior Bowl in February, showcasing his talents with the best players in the draft.
Mustapha is incredibly fast and can jump incredibly high. He causes problems for receivers in press coverage because of his physicality and athletic abilities. He is viewed as a fifth-round selection but could improve his stock if he tests well at the NFL Scouting Combine next month.
Mustapha’s speed allows him to play the run incredibly well. He can fly downfield and sneak through blocks to hit ball carriers because of his small stature. He has a high motor and is always playing at a high level of intensity.
While he has great athleticism, Mustapha is a bit raw from a technical standpoint. He must refine his footwork to be selected higher in the draft.
The Raiders could always use more athleticism in their secondary, and that’s where Mustapha might come in. He also has special teams upside, which could make him even more appealing to Las Vegas.
If the Raiders want to add speed and ball skills to their secondary, Mustapha could be a perfect fit.
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