The Minnesota Vikings patched holes in their defense this offseason. The additions of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman are all critical in this Brian Flores scheme and will help address the needs at pass rush and linebacker. But there are still more holes to fill.While the top priority of Minnesota’s defense is still the defensive end, they also need a safety.
Josh Metellus and Cam Bynum had incredible seasons in their first year under Flores. Harrison Smith also changed his contract to stay with the team for another year. But they don’t have much depth after that.Theo Jackson, Jay Ward and Lewis Cine are untested at best and will struggle to get consistent playing time even with Flores using a three-safety package on defense. Smith is 35 years old, so this could be his last season.
His game is similar to Antoine Winfield Jr. with a game that is another undersized safety.Like Winfield, Mustapha does his best work near the line of scrimmage, using his speed to bring down the running back and fight ball carriers. He is aggressive on the offensive blocks and is also a good blitzer, which is what Flores looks for in his safety. Metellus and Jevon Holland are examples of modern safeties who attack blocks and throw well.Mustapha is a downhill player as he accelerates to the line of scrimmage and explodes from his safety position to get to the center of every play. Mustapha says he “always tries to be first to the ball..
