The Chicago Bears made a savvy move in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad with the 124th overall pick. This addition brings a jolt of speed to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's unit, following the team's first-round selection of safety Dillon Thieneman. If you're a Bears fan or just love football fashion, get ready—this rookie is built to make plays and look good doing it.
Muhammad clocked in with a blazing 4.42-second 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest defensive backs in this draft class. He's a competitive, physical presence who will immediately challenge for the starting cornerback spot opposite Jaylon Johnson. With Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith also in the mix, the Bears' secondary just got a whole lot more interesting.
What sets Muhammad apart is his coverage talent. Despite a slender frame, he excels in both press and off-man coverage, showing elite pattern-matching skills that keep him in-phase with receivers. He reads routes well, sticks to break points, and has outstanding vision in zone coverage—making him efficient at all three levels of the field. While bigger wideouts can occasionally outmuscle him, Muhammad doesn't back down and usually holds his own. He's a reliable tackler in space, though his play strength can lead to occasional broken tackles. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein sums it up perfectly: Muhammad has Day 2 talent and starter-level ability.
At Texas, Muhammad started for two-and-a-half years under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski's zone-heavy scheme. Coming from a family of defensive backs, he made an immediate impact as a true freshman. In 2025, he allowed his share of completions but limited explosive plays—surrendering just two catches of 12-plus yards all season—and earned All-SEC honors.
Muhammad is a tall, athletic corner with impressive ball skills. He turned heads during the gauntlet drill at the NFL Combine, showcasing his ability to track and pluck the ball in stride. If there's one area for growth, it's creating more turnovers—he has the tools to be a ballhawk, and we expect that to develop with experience. He's also tough against the run, even if his consistency can waver.
One scout noted, "The speed and athleticism are undeniable. He's a competitor who plays bigger than his frame suggests." For Bears fans, Muhammad represents a high-upside addition who could become a key piece of a revamped secondary. Whether you're suiting up for game day or just want to rep the next wave of Chicago talent, keep an eye on No. 124—he's ready to make his mark.