Former Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad could push for a starting job in Chicago after proving himself against elite college receivers.
Former Texas Longhorns cornerback Malik Muhammad may have landed in the perfect spot to make an early NFL statement.
The Chicago Bears used a fourth-round pick on Muhammad in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while much of the attention around their class centered on first-round safety Dillon Thieneman and questions about the defensive line, the Texas standout might end up being one of the smartest picks in the group.
Chicago needed help at cornerback more than some realized. Jaylon Johnson remains the anchor, but the other outside spot isn’t settled.
Tyrique Stevenson has flashed talent but hasn’t been consistent, Terell Smith is also entering a prove-it stretch, and the Bears lost Nahshon Wright after he played nearly every defensive snap last season.
That opens a real door for Muhammad.
At Texas, Muhammad built his reputation by taking on difficult assignments and rarely blinking. He spent the last two seasons as one of the Longhorns’ most trusted cover corners, often matching up with top-tier receivers in high-pressure games.
That matters when projecting a rookie cornerback into the NFL, where hesitation gets punished fast.
His work against Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith stands out. Smith is widely viewed as one of college football’s premier receivers, yet Muhammad helped limit him to seven catches for 46 yards across two meetings. In the 2024 Rose Bowl, Smith managed just one catch for three yards against Texas.
There are still things for Muhammad to clean up.
He can get too physical in coverage, which could lead to flags at the next level. But he showed progress in 2025, drawing only three penalties, and NFL teams will live with some aggression if it comes with tight coverage and competitiveness.
The pre-draft concerns weren’t overwhelming, either. Muhammad weighed 182 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, which means adding strength will be part of his development plan. His speed questions also eased after he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis.
For a fourth-round pick, that’s a strong profile ... big-game experience, SEC-tested confidence, proven ball skills and enough athleticism to compete early.
The Bears may not hand Muhammad a starting job, but he’ll have a chance to win one. And for Texas fans, it wouldn’t be surprising if another Longhorn defender becomes a Sunday difference-maker sooner than expected.
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