Chicago Bears pick Texas football CB Malik Muhammad in 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Chicago Bears selected Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad with the 124th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up with the Carolina Panthers. Muhammad had a notable college career at Texas, including 97 tackles and three interceptions.
Key points
- Malik Muhammad was selected 124th overall by the Chicago Bears.
- The Bears traded up five spots with the Carolina Panthers.
- Muhammad had 97 tackles and three interceptions in college.
Mentioned in this story
Texas Longhorns cornerback Malik Muhammad is a Chicago Bear. The Bears selected Muhammad with the 124th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Chicago traded up five spots with the Carolina Panthers to make the pick.
During his time in Austin, the junior from South Oak Cliff had 41 total appearances, with 97 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.0 sack, and three interceptions. Regardless of the opponent, Muhammad found a way to make an impact, with 19 pass deflections.
In the 2025 season, Muhammad had 30 tackles with 2.5 for loss, 1.0 sack, two interceptions, and four passes defended. He was hurt for the Florida game, the only game he missed in his UT career.
No one expected Muhammad to either enter the NFL Draft or opt out of the bowl. There is a possibility the NFL Draft Advisory Board gave him a higher grade than expected and he decided to go to the NFL now.
This year's Red River Rivalry was the peak of Muhammad's career in Austin. Muhammad had two interceptions and two tackles, one for a loss, in the 23-6 win over the Oklahoma Sooners.
The former longhorn built a reputation as someone quarterbacks want to avoid because his high-end athleticism, length at the catch point, and coverage versatility deter them. Muhammad has the talent to play in a variety of defenses and will battle for a starting job right away.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas CB Malik Muhammad taken by Chicago Bears in NFL Draft 4th round
Q&A
What were Malik Muhammad's college stats at Texas?
Malik Muhammad recorded 97 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, and three interceptions during his college career at Texas.
Why did Malik Muhammad enter the 2026 NFL Draft?
Malik Muhammad likely entered the draft after receiving a favorable grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board, which may have influenced his decision to forgo his final college season.
Which team did the Chicago Bears trade with to select Malik Muhammad?
The Chicago Bears traded up with the Carolina Panthers to select Malik Muhammad in the 2026 NFL Draft.
