The Chicago Bears selected cornerback Malik Muhammad from Texas in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up to pick 124. Muhammad is noted for his coverage skills and competitive nature, addressing the team's need for depth at cornerback.
Key points
Chicago Bears selected Malik Muhammad in the fourth round
Bears traded up from pick No. 129 to No. 124
Muhammad had three interceptions and 16 passes defended at Texas
Analysts praised Muhammad's competitive nature and coverage skills
Malik MuhammadChicago BearsCarolina Panthers2026 NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears selected Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and they made some moves to get him.
With their first bit of action on the final day of the draft, the Bears traded up from pick No. 129 in a deal with the Carolina Panthers that saw Chicago send picks No. 129 and 144 to the Panthers in exchange for picks No. 124 and 166. Chicago used that pick on Muhammad, adding more depth to the cornerback position.
After going all with all offensive players in the second and third rounds of the draft, the Bears got back to adding to their defense, looking to help replace the loss of cornerback Nahshon Wright, who departed in free agency. In three years with the Texas Longhorns, Muhammad totaled three interceptions and 16 passes defended and has been praised for his coverage ability and route recognition from opposing players.
Here is how the NFL world reacted to the Bears trading up to select Muhammad with the 124th pick:
NFL world reacts to Bears selecting CB Malik Muhammad in 2026 NFL Draft
— ThienemanSZN (@ThienemanSZN) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammad appears to be really good value for the Bears and fills a need at the cornerback position. Solid selection.
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) April 25, 2026
New Bears CB Malik Muhammad ran a. 4.42 forty. Only 21 years old. Just a great pick. Glad they moved up.
Q&A
What round was Malik Muhammad selected in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Malik Muhammad was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Which team did the Bears trade with to select Malik Muhammad?
The Bears traded with the Carolina Panthers to select Malik Muhammad.
What are Malik Muhammad's notable stats from his college career?
In three years at Texas, Malik Muhammad totaled three interceptions and 16 passes defended.
How did analysts react to the Bears selecting Malik Muhammad?
Analysts praised the pick, noting it as good value and highlighting Muhammad's competitive nature and coverage skills.
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— Dave (@davebftv) April 25, 2026
I had Malik Muhammad in the mid floor, mid ceiling tier. He's slightly undersized but has some of the better play recognition in this draft among DBs. Good reliable corner that will compete for a starting spot
— Blake (@SoldierFieldBlg) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammad is good value in the 4th round.
He’s good enough to compete to start as a rookie, though I’d still expect Tyrique Stevenson or Terrell Smith to beat him out in Year 1
— Lorin Cox (@CoxSports1) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammad is a steal on day 3.
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammad was 89th on the consensus big board so the Bears got good value here
— Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) April 25, 2026
Good spot for Malik Muhammad. Great kid. Very happy for him. Bears fans are going to like him a lot.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus\_Mosher) April 25, 2026
Holy smokes Malik Muhammad at 124 is an INSANE value pick. One of my favorite picks of the draft so far @itsfickybaby@davebftv
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) April 25, 2026
More speed. CB Malik Muhammed ran a 4.42 and is a man-corner. Good fit in the defense. I thought he was a 2nd rounder. #Bears trade up to get him in Round 4. From @HogeAndJahns Mock Draft 3.0: pic.twitter.com/FcgovRMwmA
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) April 25, 2026
I like the Malik Muhammad pick. Gives them more competition on the boundary. #Bears
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammad could be a legit #2.
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) April 25, 2026#Bears new CB, Malik Muhammad (Texas), wanted to become a WR and $$$ changed his mind. @dpbrugler wrote in THE BEAST: "He projects as a starter, with shades of Greg Newsome II." pic.twitter.com/zPMCJqXoA5
— Barroom | Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) April 25, 2026
THREAD: New #Bears CB Malik Muhammad has the tools to become a future starter, and they somehow got him in Round 4.
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammad will challenge for CB2….seems a good pick for 4th round (no idea why we had to trade up and cost us 20 spots in 5th but sure they know more than I do) pic.twitter.com/En8L8YeEK0
— Cork City Bears Fan (Ant) (@BearsCork) April 25, 2026
Awesome pick for da Bears, I love this prospect lol. My #72 prospect, Malik Muhammad is a lil thin wit bad 🏈 skills but he’s a terrific athlete wit sound man coverage, legit zone, & nice run D, Chicago needed CB help so Malik should earn a starting job for them imo#DaBears
— Alex (@MayeXG0nzo) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammed is a aggressive corner. I like him in press coverage he will get physical with the WR @BarroomNetwork
— Danny Shimon (@dshimon56) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammad is a great pick for the Bears at this stage of the draft
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro\_\_Ant) April 25, 2026
Malik Muhammad is going to be an elite depth piece at CB for Chicago, and I could see a world where he's a future starter
Maybe not CB1, but maybe CB2
— DaRealConMan (@darealconman) April 25, 2026
This guy fits #DaBears profile. Watch his Ohio State tape.
-Fluid, technically sound cover corner: Shows smooth hips, strong route recognition, and the ability to play both man and zone with discipline—rarely gives up explosive plays on the back end.
