The Chicago Bears went back to defense in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad with the No. 124 overall pick.
Muhammad joins first-round safety Dillon Thieneman as part of a reshaped secondary following the offseason departures of Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, signaling a clear youth movement on the back end.
At 6-foot, 182 pounds, Muhammad brings legitimate speed and explosiveness, highlighted by a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a near-11-foot broad jump at the 2026 NFL Combine. He turned that athletic profile into production in 2025, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors after totaling 30 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack in 11 games.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein praised Muhammad’s coverage instincts and versatility, noting his ability to stay in phase, match patterns, and execute both man and zone responsibilities at a high level. While his lean frame can create challenges against more physical receivers, his competitiveness and technique consistently show up on tape.
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Muhammad steps into a cornerback room led by Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson, but the door isn’t closed for immediate impact. With Stevenson entering a contract year, Muhammad will have an opportunity to carve out a role and position himself as part of Chicago’s long-term plans in the secondary.
According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who ranked Muhammad as the No. 11 cornerback in the class with a third-round grade, the Bears may have landed a value pick in Round 4.
Defenses can never have too many talented cornerbacks.
GRADE: B
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