The San Francisco 49ers' five selections from Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft spoke with reporters after each pick was made. Here is everything they had to say.
Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
S Malik Mustapha
Just wondering about your interaction with the 49ers heading into the draft. Did you did you meet with them? Did you visit or anything like that?
"Yeah, I had my only formal meeting with them at the combine. It was awesome being able to meet, [President of Football Operations and General Manager] John Lynch obviously, and the whole staff. Even [Former 49ers RB] Frank Gore was in there. He's someone that I grew up watching and it was kind of a starstruck moment there. But it was definitely a good meeting with them, talking about my life and things like that. And throughout the process, talking to scouts post-combine. So yeah, those were my interactions with the 49ers leading up to the draft."
Can you describe your style of football? What the Niners are getting?
"Yes, sir. I'm a downhill, speed, tenacity, ballplayer that plays with a lot of fire. I'm able to line up pretty much everywhere. Just watching the film, I'm able to impact the game on all levels of the football. I'm pretty sure the 49ers have a plan for me. I really feel comfortable in a lot of spots, being able to show that versatility during my time at Wake Forest."
I see your shirt. What's the definition of Mustapha?
"Yeah, so it says chosen, selected, appointed, and preferred among many. That was something that my mom helped out with, and my uncle, getting these T-shirts made. Just knowing that the brand Mustapha has a lot of meanings to it and what I symbolize. Kind of how I've idolized myself and that's what I carry onto my name."
How do you symbolize that?
"If it was up to me, I would say king. But I feel like a lot of these definitions are just things that show a lot about the characteristics of me as a person, not just a football player."
What was your responsibility on third downs when you were in that hybrid role?
"Yeah, so we called that the Panther package. Going into the game, there were different tasks, depending on the different teams. So, it was either I had to spy the quarterback or, sometimes I would be with the defensive front, running stunts. They always had a key factored on me offensively when identifying me. So, there were a lot of spots I was put in. Being at the linebacker depth, and then disguising, where I would have to burst to play single high coverage, and even an extra nickel spot. There were a lot of hats that I wore during that third down package. Just speaking to my versatility and being able to, like I said, impact on different levels of the football. So, it was a game plan adjustment for sure, but it was something that I took pride in."
With all your responsibilities on defense, how much special teams work did you do at Wake Forest and are you eager to do that for the 49ers?
"Oh yeah, I did a lot. I was coming from Richmond, so when I transferred to Wake, obviously I had to earn the respect of the coaches and I knew I could do that on special teams. So, I wasn't playing defensive reps at first, and I took pride in special teams day in and day out, week in and week out. So, running down on kickoff, running down on punt, doing different things like that. Just impacting the game when I can help my team pin the ball underneath the 10-yard line. At all three levels of the football game that you can impact. Special teams was the number one goal for me and going into the 49ers, I'm going to have to do the same thing. I take pride in that, and I know the opportunity is just impacting the game. It's something that I'll take a lot of pride in. So, I definitely don't shy away from social teams."
The 49ers ask their safeties to be what they call erasers and prevent explosive plays. How do you think your skillset can translate in that regard?
"I feel like I fit the model perfectly. It's something that I emphasized a lot when I was playing defense at Wake Forest. Being able to be coached by good coaches that helped my playing ability at the next level, is something that's going to help me become more of an eraser. Looking at film from guys like [S Talanoa] Hufanga is something that I looked at a lot during my time at Wake Forest, picking up gems from him as well. He's one of the best erasers in the game of football and I know that learning from him and then picking up where he left off and just learning from the veteran guys there and earning the respect of everybody will help me to enhance my playing ability as well."
In 2022, you really got after the quarterback. How much do you enjoy being part of those safety blitz packages?
"Oh, I enjoy it a lot. Just being able to be downhill fast, make the quarterback get off the read really fast, and react really fast. It's something that kind of disgruntles the quarterback, but it's something that I enjoy doing a lot, so I definitely don't shy away from blitzing."
Do you pattern your game after Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker?
"Oh yeah, definitely. I watched a lot of cuts with Budda Baker. He's someone that just goes downhill, no fear. Someone that's undersized like me as well. It's heart over matter in one of those instances. So, it's definitely something that I carried on throughout my whole football playing career."
RB Isaac Guerendo
What was your pre-Draft experience like with the 49ers? Did you have much contact with them?
"Yeah, I actually did. So, even before, the opportunities postseason, they had kind of always been in contact with my agent, [BVM sports agent] Joe Linta. So, I kind of already knew that they were on the radar, but, obviously it's a blessing to be able to make it final."
I see you did a little bit of kick returning in college. I don't know how familiar you are with the new kickoff rules in the NFL. Are you sort of excited to see how your skills fit with that?
"Yeah, that's definitely been a talk with the new kick return rules. Obviously, nobody's been in the system yet. But I'm definitely excited for the opportunity and excited to see how that goes."
How do you think you fit with an outside zone scheme and a lot of the way the 49ers run the ball?
"I'm really excited. Obviously, there's a talented backfield. So, I'm excited to learn from some of the greatest. And then be able to hopefully contribute in some type of way in that scheme."
How many times did you talk to running backs coach Bobby Turner through this process?
"He was great about keeping in touch with me, sending me periodic texts, calling me a few times, throughout the process. So he's been amazing throughout this whole process. I'm excited to get to work with him."
Would you say that you talked to him or had more communication with him than any other running backs coach in the league?
"I definitely would, yeah."
He's known as a real stickler as a coach. Obviously, he's not coaching over the phone, I assume, but did that come through just his level of detail just in how he operates?
"Yeah, I think that's something that I'm really excited about and I really appreciate. I'm actually getting a phone call from him right now as we speak [laughs]. Hopefully he doesn't get upset. I'll have to get back to him in a little bit. But yeah, I'm excited with that because I think it just gives me a chance to really at the end of the day, when you mess up, you're going to make mistakes. So, as a mature guy being able to just look the guy in the eyes and coach him up off their mistakes, sometimes, yelling isn't the best way to get the point across. So he just seems like a laid back guy, but a guy that has a lot of experience. So he is definitely going to be able to help me develop and then play my best ball."
He's a coach who really wants his running backs to know what all 11 are doing on the field. Are you ready for that type of intense coaching and analysis of the offense?
"Yes, a hundred percent. I think in this last season, that's definitely something that I was working to improve on. I think that's just something that also is going to just give you a step ahead and I think it's going to help you to play fast. For instance, for me if you don't have to think about it you're able to play a lot faster. So obviously it's important that you learn that. And I'm excited, like I said, to get to work with him."
What were your expectations? Is this about where you expected to go or when you came into this, what were you thinking?
"I really had the mentality of how the Draft goes. It's very unpredictable. So the range was three to five, so I expected to be in that range. I didn't know who was going to go before me or how many running backs it was, but I think mentally, I was prepared for whatever. So obviously excited to finally get picked. It is definitely a dream come true, but now I'm definitely excited to get to work."
Your production went up a lot last season. What would you say was a huge factor in that? I know you changed schools, but what was it about this new system?
"I think the new system. I think with, with [University of Louisville head coach] Coach [Chris] Barclay and then how he kind of taught the running backs. Just making that transition from a school like Wisconsin. They were obviously heavy on run the ball when I was there, but with how the league is changing and all that stuff, you needed to be able to showcase and add value in multiple different ways. So obviously being able to showcase, catching the ball out of the backfield, as well as pass protection, but then running the ball, it helps a lot. And I think we had a lot of different run schemes that we used and that worked for us this year. I think that was important to my success."
How familiar are you with Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert, and what do you think of comparisons to Mostert?
"Yeah, he's obviously a great back. But you just look at his speed. He has exceptional speed. I don't know if I'm as fast as him. But with his exceptional speed and just the way he's decisive in the run game, I think that gives him gives him a leg up. So being able to continue to grow myself and then hopefully being great like a back like that, that's important. So, the plan is to really just continue to take lessons, to ask questions to the good backs that I'm around and then be able to learn from them."
Did the Dolphins, the Jets or the Texans, some other teams that run what the 49ers do, did they pay attention to you in the Draft as well?
"Yeah, those were all teams that I was in contact with at some point. I spoke with the running back coaches and all that stuff and visited two of those teams. So, definitely scheme wise, they were interested. But obviously I'm excited to be with the 49ers."
You're going to be joining RB Christian McCaffrey in the running backs room. How familiar are you with his game and what he's able to do?
"Obviously, he's one of the greatest backs. I was just telling my family, I think that he's probably going to get annoyed with me and how many questions I'll ask him just because of the amount of production he has and continues to have and how consistent he is. And then, his recovery plan, just all that stuff. Just being able to pick a great back, like that's brain is really important. And then that's definitely something that I'll do. So hopefully in the next few weeks he's not annoyed by me, but we'll see what happens."
WR Jacob Cowing
What were your impressions when you came out on the visit a couple weeks ago?
"My first impression, looking at the organization, they just went to the Super Bowl, so looking at their kind of offensive style too, I thought it was just a great fit. Me meeting all the coaches, the GM, the owner, meeting everybody, it was just a great atmosphere to be around, very similar to how we view things. So, we're on the same page about everything. So overall, everything went how I wanted it to go, just all the conversations I've had, they went really, really good. So we are here now. I'm ready to go. I'm a 49er, so I'm pumped up. I'm ready to go. I'm kind of speechless at this point, so I'm just ready."
What makes you a good fit for this offense?
"I would say my speed. Also, what I can contribute to the special teams, punt return game, kick return game, my ability to make big plays down the field, score touchdowns, trying to put points on that board. So that's something I can definitely bring to the team."
Is there a wide receiver in the NFL that you kind of model your game after or look up to?
"As I was growing up on my football journey, I looked at [Seattle Seahawks WR] Tyler Lockett a lot. Very similar in stature. I kind of resembled my game after him a lot. And then also within this past year [Houston Texans WR] Tank Dell and [Baltimore Ravens WR] Zay Flowers, very good receivers, had a lot of good production their last year. So I look up to those guys and try to add to my game."
I don't know if you're familiar with how the 49ers used WR Deebo Samuel and Atlanta Falcons WR Ray-Ray McCloud III last year, but a lot of kind of creative ways of getting the ball in their hands. Is that something that your skillset lends itself to?
"I would say so, a hundred percent. But at the same time, I just want to win games. I want to bring that Super Bowl ring back to the Bay Area, to the 49ers organization. So, wherever they need to plug me in to be successful, to go get that W, I'm going to do whatever I need to do for that team to go get a win."
What is the secret to surviving in football at your size?
"That's a good question actually. I would say just keeping your body healthy, treatment. The best thing that you can be for a football player is availability and being reliable as well. So just taking care of your body and then hard work too. What you put into the game and the results that you're going to get. So those two combinations of what I've put in my game, my career, and led me to where I'm at today."
Are you in Arizona now?
"Yes, I'm in Chandler, Arizona."
Do you know WR Ricky Pearsall and QB Brock Purdy?
"I know Ricky for sure because me and him were working out at Exos throughout this whole NFL process. So, me and him have been able to develop a chemistry and a relationship. So, I'm excited to work with Brock, the whole team, Ricky, and get to work and go get that Super Bowl."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan's known for being really tough on his wide receivers, making sure they know all three positions and the route running. How do you think you're going to fit in with Kyle Shanahan and his demands?
"Oh, I think I'm going to fit in great. Coming from the organization with Coach Fisch [Washington head coach Jedd Fisch] at Arizona, he's had a good NFL background, so he demanded a lot of me too. I like a challenge too so whatever's thrown out my way I like to go and get it and achieve it and do it to the best of my ability."
Another 49er I believe you're pretty close with is CB Chase Lucas. Is that right? Is there a special meaning to reuniting with him here for you?
"We ran track against each other in high school. We ran into each other a couple times so that'll be crazy to link back up with him and get some work in and go get that Super Bowl like we've been talking about ever since we were kids. So that'll be cool to definitely go experience."
OL Jarrett Kingston
How much contact did you have with the 49ers throughout this process?
"At the Hula Bowl I talked to one of the scouting people for about 30 minutes. And then throughout the process leading up to the combine, I know that my offensive line coach in Florida training was in contact with the 49ers a little bit, here and there. But after the combine, not much up until I just got the phone call."
Are you in Anderson right now?
"Yes, sir I am."
Who called you up?
"I talked to like three different people. I didn't recognize the voice of who called me at first. I forgot the name. I was kind of overblown with emotions. I know I talked to [head] coach Shanahan and I talked to the [President of Football Operations and General Manager John Lynch] GM."
One of your draft analyses says that you might be able to play center. Do you have any background at center? Is that something that you talked about with NFL teams?
"Yeah. I know that I don't have the length to play tackle and I know I don't have athleticism to play any position. I don't have any like actual game reps playing center. I don't have any actual snaps, but I've practiced in spring ball and my whole career pretty much. So, I'm really comfortable playing center also."
Who was your team growing up?
"My whole family is from LA, so I actually grew up a Rams fan. And I became a Packers fan because I was a [former Green Bay Packers LB] Clay Matthews fan, which is funny because I'm from like Northern California. But no, I never was a 49ers fan, which is weird."
What is your interest in Clay Matthews?
"Since my whole family was from LA, I grew up a USC fan. My grandma is a huge USC supporter and my whole family grew up USC fans. So, I just kind of followed him throughout college and then followed him into the NFL, so I became a Packer fan too."
What were your expectations coming in?
"I knew that I could get drafted. I guess just that, very simple, I just wanted to be drafted."
Were you trying to do a favor for your grandmother by transferring to USC?
"Yeah, that kind of went into that decision. I was choosing between Ohio State and USC. Growing up a USC fan and still having family in LA made me lean more towards USC because they're both great programs."
How did that move help you in your game?
"I just learned a lot more. I think that being at Washington State, we were kind of more one sided. We were more of a pass-pro offense and I think that going to USC and having a true 50/50 run-pass offense helped me to learn a lot more about the run game. And I just got stronger and more athletic."
Can you expand on that, just in terms of how you got stronger and I guess quantify how strong you are right now?
"Yeah, so I kind of go back. So when I came into college, I was like 250 pounds, like a tight end, defensive end build. So I, gained a lot of weight and I got decently strong up until the 2022 season. But I feel like this last year I really took it a whole other level with, I think our strength coach really had a, [USC strength and conditioning coach] Bennie Wylie had a big influence in that. I just really took it another level I feel like. I did 36 reps at 225 at the Combine. I think it was the second highest this year for anyone. So I feel like I'm decently strong [laughs] in that regard."
Do you have any thoughts about playing in a zone blocking scheme like the 49ers have?
"Yeah, I love the outside zone ball. I love running off the ball and using my athleticism and getting to the perimeter and even getting out in space. So yeah, I didn't really do much in my early career, but just last year we did a lot more outside zone. I got a lot more technique driven about it."
You said you don't have a lot of athleticism, but your short shuttle and your 40 seem to kind of stand out a little bit. Getting to the second level how readily are you able to do that?
"Yeah. I don't know if you misheard me, but I feel like that I am athletic. I think whatever like the ratings were, but I feel like I'm really athletic. I think my background playing all these different positions, like defensive and tight end really helped me be athletic. And even though I'm like 310 pounds, I feel like I'm still athletic for being this heavy."
I see your hat, are you a rodeo guy too?
"No, I just grew up being outdoors. Not really, I just like the hat."
Following up, you said you were really weak, right?
"[Laughs] I do think that one thing that I probably need to focus on is like more flexibility type things. So that's something I have been last couple years worked on because early in my career I just worked focused on gaining as much weight and getting as strong as I could, which sometimes when you just work out all the time doesn't help your ligaments lengthen and so you get a little more stiff. So that's something I'm going to try to work on going forward, also."
LB Tatum Bethune
I know that you visited here a couple weeks ago. Did you get a good sense from that visit that the 49ers might be calling you today?
"I actually did. Me and [linebackers coach] Coach [Johnny] Holland, we hit it off like we knew each other for years when I went up there. Our conversations were just about everything on and off the field. So, just me having that, building that relationship, that fast with him, I felt a good feeling from that point on."
You're joining fellow teammate CB Renardo Green out here. What can you tell us about him?
"Renardo Green is a dog. He actually is the one who I, sometimes I feed off his energy and sometimes he feed off mine. So, it's a great feeling to have one of my old teammates back as my teammate again."
It seems that it's been three or four years now that the 49ers have been known to have the best linebackers in the NFL. Is that what college linebackers recognize? Do you guys watch film of LB Fred Warner and LB Dre Greenlaw as kind of as an example?
"Actually the guy who I actually watched this past season was Greenlaw because the way he just showed his passion on the field and he's always around the ball. His physicality, it reminded me a lot of myself. So yeah, I'm pretty sure the whole college football world knows about the linebacker corps at the 49ers."
Both head coach Kyle Shanahan and President of Football Operations and General Manager John Lynch said it was an emotional call in speaking with you. What were your emotions in the moments after you got drafted?
"My emotions were everywhere. I'm not going to lie to you. It was just waiting that long. I never waited that long in my life, and especially to get picked for something. So just hearing that call and hearing them say they were going to draft me, it just was a dream come true. This is something I always knew I wanted to do since a little kid, and now it happened. Now I'm just ready to work."
At that point in the draft, obviously, I'm sure it's running through your mind, maybe I won't get drafted. Was there a lot of anxiety about that at that point?
"I was actually on the call with the team speaking about free agent contracts and terms like that before it ended and then in the middle of that call, I got a call, so I got that call. So, it was a good feeling."
I hope you hung up on that team immediately.
"Yeah, I did."
What were your conversations with linebackers coach Johnny Holland like? You said you felt like you knew him a long time, but what did those conversations include?
"The conversations was literally about everything. Just like sometimes we'd talk about animals and then we'd go back to talking about football and he was just finding out the things that I was interested in, just like fishing. So, I would tell him a lot of stuff that I would like to do during fishing while I was in Miami and Tallahassee. It was just, it was really like we was having a regular conversation, it was nothing specific."
Watching some of your tape, I think you're really good at sniffing out screens, screen passes, and making those tackles. Does that come from film study beforehand? How do you think you developed that particular skillset?
"Yeah, the preparation before the game. That always plays a big part in how I play. So, film study for sure. And then being able to have those instincts of filling the line, letting guys go, and keeping my eyes on the running back to see how he releases from backfield, it just gives it all away. So, it is honestly just instincts and my preparation before."
CB Renardo Green said he was really excited to join the 49ers because of the aggressive style of defense that they play. Are you familiar with that and do you have the same mentality as him?
"Yeah, I'm very familiar with it. Just like I said, Greenlaw, he sets the tone for all of the physicality for that defense. And then adding me and Renardo, I feel like that's just more fuel to the fire."
As far as Renardo, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan said, he told them he was a dog 15 times. You just said he was a dog. He told us at least 15 times he was a dog. As a cornerback, those guys aren't necessarily always known as the most dog-like guys on the field. Is he unique in that sense?
"I feel like that's what separates him from all the other corners, this past draft. Renardo, he likes to come up and tackle and he'll go play man all game, if he has to. I feel like it is really the mindset that he comes in with every game and he's very consistent with it."
Yeah, the reverse of that is the linebackers having to cover and then the 49ers ask their linebackers to do a lot of coverage. I think that's one of the strengths of your game. But having the defensive backs like Renardo on your team, have you worked with them just for coverage pointers? How, does that work at Florida State?
"I actually feel like that's what helped with my coverage skills this past season excel how they did. After practice, I would get releases like I was at corner sometimes, just working on moving my feet and staying on the hip. So just being around the DBs played a huge part. The NFL is now becoming a passing league more and more each year. So just being able to run, and be able to stop the run that would be good for me."
Comments