Still recovering from a torn ACL, San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga has been a keen observer during OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
His continued absence following an injury he suffered in a Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season has meant more opportunities for rookie safety Malik Mustapha, drafted in the fourth round, while last year's third-round pick Ji'Ayir Brown is hoping to make further strides having impressed after taking over from Hufanga following the injury.
Hufanga has enjoyed what he has seen from both, and had an amusing comparison when asked specifically about Mustapha.
"He's beefy," Hufanga said at a press conference on Wednesday: "Man, that dude will just outlift everyone. He's like a mini Dre [Greenlaw], how they just walk around with this presence.
"But twitchy, athletic, smart, and a guy that's really just about his business and gets things done."
Hufanga's comparison of Mustapha to Greenlaw is perfect because of how he could be used if he does see the field on defense as a rookie.
Mustapha played all over the field during his time at Wake Forest, excelling as a playmaker capable of having a considerable impact at all three levels of the defense. He regularly played at linebacker depth during his time with the Demon Deacons as part of their 'panther' package.
A standout tackler who displays impressive instincts in coverage, the 49ers could well look to utilize Mustapha as a de-facto linebacker while implementing some three-safety looks into their defense as they look to survive Greenlaw's likely absence to start the season. Greenlaw's return date from the torn Achilles injury he suffered in Super Bowl 58 is unclear.
Mustapha can take inspiration from both Hufanga and Brown and the way they each quickly found success with the 49er defense. Hufanga only featured sporadically on defense as a rookie in 2021 but was a first-team All-Pro in his first year as a starter in 2022.
Brown had three pass breakups and a game-sealing interception against the Bucs after coming in for Hufanga and added another pick to his name in Week 14. The biggest play of his fledgling career came in the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with Brown intercepting Patrick Mahomes on the first series of the second half.
He and Hufanga, who is targeting a Week 1 return, will likely be the starting pairing at safety in 2024, veteran Tashaun Gipson having started in each of the last two seasons. Gipson remains a free agent.
Asked for his thoughts on Brown, Hufanga replied: "Amazing. For a guy to come in as a rookie, the light is never too bright for him," Hufanga commented. "I think what he did in the Super Bowl and what he did leading up to that has just been amazing."
Brown looks on course to follow Hufanga in being a clear hit as a 49ers draft pick at the safety position. Mustapha may have to wait his turn to prove he can be another success story, but Hufanga evidently believes he has the credentials.
