The Chicago Bears started Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. Here is what the newest member of the defense brings to the Bears' secondary.
After selecting three straight offensive players on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears broke that streak and addressed the defense.
The Bears traded with the Carolina Panthers and sent picks 129 and 144 in exchange for picks 124 and 166. With the 124th overall pick in the fourth round, the Bears selected Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad
Muhammad, 21, played all three seasons at Texas and finished with three interceptions, 15 pass breakups and 93 total tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Muhammad ran a 4.42 40-yard dash and logged a 10'10" broad jump, tied for the fifth-best among cornerbacks.
Throughout his three-year career at Texas, Muhammad lined up primarily as an outside cornerback (1,762 snaps). He did also have 149 snaps in the box and 45 in the slot. The former Texas cornerback believes the Bears are getting a versatile defensive back.
“An all-around DB, not just a cornerback," Muhammad. "I can play inside too. I can play nickel also. And I can play multiple coverages. I can play man, I can play zone, pattern match, true zone, I can blitz. I feel like they’re getting a well-rounded cornerback.”
Muhammad feels he has plenty of strengths to add to his new team, but when looking at some of his weaknesses that are often mentioned from draft analysts, his narrow frame usually comes up.
But Muhammad has been working on that perceived weakness.
"Well, actually, I'm not slim no more, I'm like 193," Muhammad said. "I done put on some weight. But that's what I normally walk around at, like, I walk around at 188, 190. I was just slim for the combine because I was running, I was track training. But I actually put on weight, and I'm moving well with it, gaining strength off of it also. So I'll be ready when the time comes."
And that time could be now for the Bears' rookie. Jaylon Johnson has one cornerback spot solidified, but the opposite side could be open for the taking. Nahshon Wright left for the New York Jets in free agency, and Tyrique Stevenson is going into a contract year.
The Bears will also have former fifth-round picks Zah Frazier and Terell Smith return, which increases the intensity and competition at the cornerback position.
What could determine who ends up starting or even the priority on the depth chart is how the corners do in high-pressure moments. Although it's college competition, Muhammad stepped up in Texas' matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes last season, giving up just two receptions for 15 yards. Buckeyes' wide receiver Carnell Tate went No. 4 overall to the Tennessee Titans.
Muhammad described what big games mean to him and didn't mince words
"It's just pride," Muhammad said. "Like, I grew up like that. I grew up (with) my dad, my mom, my uncles. Like, we just grew up like that, and they instilled that into us. You dominate everybody. When it's time to put your nuts on the floor, you gotta go dominate. I mean, it's just like second nature. When it's a big game, shoot, we ’bout to get up for it."