What draft experts said about new Bears CB Malik Muhammad

The Chicago Bears landed a potential steal on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft with the selection of Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad with the 124th overall pick, adding a speedy, instinctual defensive back to Dennis Allen's secondary. The Bears add even more speed to Dennis Allen's defense after drafting safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round and adding safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush in free agency. Muhammad ran a 4.

42 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he's a competitive and physical addition to the secondary. Last season with the Longhorns, Muhammad totaled two interceptions and two pass breakups and allowed 21 catches on 35 targets for 168 yards and one touchdown. While Jaylon Johnson has a starting spot locked down on the outside, Muhammad has the opportunity to compete for the starting spot opposite him with Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith.

Here's what some expert draft analysts had to say about Muhammad during the pre-draft process and what Bears fans can expect to see: Dane Brugler, The Athletic "A starter for two-and-a-half years at Texas, Muhammad was an outside cornerback in former defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s zone-leaning scheme. Coming from a family of defensive backs, he took his talents to Austin, where he saw immediate action as a true freshman. He gave up his share of completions in 2025, but he also limited big plays (allowed only two catches of 12-plus yards) and earned All-SEC honors.

Muhammad is a tall, skinny athlete with quality coverage-match talent. He doesn’t consistently play up to his timed speed, but he does show lateral agility and strain to stay attached to routes. He has athletic ball skills (looked outstanding during the gauntlet drill at the NFL combine), although I wish he took more chances to create turnovers.