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Scouting Future Saints: Texas Longhorns cornerback Malik Muhammad
TL;DR
Malik Muhammad, a cornerback from the Texas Longhorns, is a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints, needing to fill a cornerback position after losing Alontae Taylor, may consider drafting him.
Key points
- Malik Muhammad is a cornerback from the Texas Longhorns
- He is a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft
- The New Orleans Saints may draft a cornerback after losing Alontae Taylor
- Terry Joseph previously coached Muhammad at Texas
- Muhammad has impressive athletic metrics
Mentioned in this story
New Orleans SaintsTexas LonghornsMalik MuhammadTerry Joseph
Prior to being hired as the defensive passing game coordinator for the New Orleans Saints last season, Terry Joseph was the secondary coach for the Texas Longhorns from 2021 to 2024. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Longhorns cornerback Malik Muhammad and Joseph could be in line for a potential reunion. The Saints are predicted to draft a cornerback, and Muhammad is one of the better ones available at the position.
New Orleans got very good production from 2025 fourth round pick Quincy Riley and 2024 second round choice Kool-Aid McKinstry last season. After the loss of Alontae Taylor in free agency though, the Saints will likely look to add another young corner.
Malik Muhammad bio
- Position: Cornerback
- College: Texas Longhorns
- Height: 6-feet
- Weight: 182 pounds
- 40-yard dash: 4.42 seconds
- 10-yard split: 1.51 seconds
- Vertical jump: 39"
- Broad jump: 10'10"
The Texas Longhorns kept an in-state star close to home when they recruited Muhammad out of South Oak Cliff High School near Dallas. Under Joseph's direction, he'd get quite a bit of playing time as a freshman in 2023 and responded with 1 interception and 4 pass breakups. While he wouldn't record an interception in 2024, Muhammad was among the SEC leaders with 8 passes broken up.
Joseph moved on to the Saints last season, but Muhammad remained a vital part of the Texas defense. He had 2 interceptions while breaking up 4 throws and recorded a career-best 2.5 tackles for loss. Muhammad capped off his Longhorns career by being named 2nd Team All-SEC.
Strengths
- Strong route recognition and anticipation
- Excellent change of direction and mirroring skills
- Good leaping ability and timing on contested balls
- Decisive break on the play in off-ball coverage
Q&A
What are Malik Muhammad's physical stats and performance metrics?
Malik Muhammad stands 6 feet tall, weighs 182 pounds, and has a 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds, a 10-yard split of 1.51 seconds, a vertical jump of 39 inches, and a broad jump of 10 feet 10 inches.
Why might the New Orleans Saints draft Malik Muhammad?
The Saints are likely to draft a cornerback to replace Alontae Taylor, and Malik Muhammad is considered one of the better cornerback prospects available.
Who is Terry Joseph and what is his connection to Malik Muhammad?
Terry Joseph is the defensive passing game coordinator for the New Orleans Saints and was previously the secondary coach for the Texas Longhorns, where he coached Malik Muhammad.
