Malik Muhammad
Chicago BearsOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
Texas · Big 12
| Season | Tkl | TFL | Sacks | Hur | PD | INT | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 27 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 349 |
| 2024 | 36 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 8 | 215 | |
| 2025 | 30 | 2 | 1.0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 170 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
Texas · 2026 draft class
Malik Muhammad is widely considered the top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft class by many analysts, combining exceptional positional versatility with refined technical skills. At 6'0" and 190 pounds, the Texas Longhorn has legitimate skills to play outside corner, nickel, or even drop back to safety in certain packages. A Dallas native from state champion South Oak Cliff, Muhammad established himself as a force in the secondary from day one at Texas, contributing immediately as a freshman in all 14 games with 31 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups. By his sophomore year, he had secured a starting role for all 16 games, amassing 36 tackles and 8 PBUs while testing himself against elite CFP competition. Muhammad was undoubtedly the best player on the field against Oklahoma, single-handedly shutting down QB John Mateer by picking him off twice and adding another huge pass breakup late. His 11 pass breakups tied for 15th nationally, and he didn't give up a touchdown as a zone-heavy corner. While he doesn't possess elite length, he compensates with exceptional footwork and transitional quickness that lets him mirror even the craftiest route runners. The technical refinement in his press technique and zone spacing indicates a prospect who has been meticulously coached.
Strengths
- Exceptional positional versatility - outside corner nickel or safety
- Quick-twitch athlete with elite plant-and-drive ability
- Closes on underneath routes with explosive breaks
- Exceptional footwork and transitional quickness mirrors routes
- Technical refinement in press technique and zone spacing
- Great job passing off route responsibilities in zone
- 11 PBU tied 15th nationally no TDs allowed
- Productive in run support with quality tackling in space
- Tracks ball well on ground or in air
- 2 INT game vs Oklahoma shutting down Mateer
Concerns
- Generates few turnovers - only one INT in first two seasons
- Significan'tly lighter at 178 lbs needs to bulk up
- Occasional deep meltdowns have marred stellar play
- Doesn't have elite length for position
- Must prove can consistently compete against top WRs
- Size may limit jam ability at line of scrimmage
Honors
Top CB in 2026 class (multiple outlets); #5 CB per ESPN; Back-to-back state champion (South Oak Cliff HS); Late first-round projection