This Malik Muhammad Story Makes You Wonder How The Hell The Bears Stole Him
After failing to find further help for the defense on day two of the draft, the Chicago Bears entered the final afternoon with a sense of urgency. Dennis Allen’s unit needed help, and thankfully, there were still some good players out there. It started in the 4th round when they grabbed Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. He was a big part of the Longhorns finishing with the #3 defense in 2024 and furthered that success on a personal level with two interceptions last season. His height, length, and fluid athleticism helped him stand out as a very good cover corner.
Though somewhat on the thinner side at 182 lbs, it was surprising to some that Muhammad fell to the bottom of the 4th round. Usually players with his skill set go earlier than that. What makes it even crazier is when you start hearing stories about him. Bears national scout John Syty has roots in Texas, so he became familiar with Muhammad right away. As he and other personnel grew more familiar with the cornerback, they came across a story that quickly reaffirmed their desire to draft him. Syty revealed it after the pick went in.
Malik Muhammad is a locker room drover.
“He’s a football guy at the end of the day. The story that probably describes him best: big recruit coming out of high school. Gets to Texas and there’s a sophomore safety that’s been there for two years – Michael Taaffe, who’s also in this draft class. This is Mike telling the story about Malik. Malik gets in there and Mike’s teaching him the defense and they’re sitting there and Malik looks up at the depth chart on the board next to them and sees Mike’s No. 16 is second on the depth chart. Malik turns to Mike saying, ‘What’s the case with this?’ And Mike says, ‘Well, listen, I’m young, I’m behind a couple really good vets in this room and my role is special teams.’ Malik looks at him and says, ‘I guess you don’t really want to play in the NFL then, do you? Why don’t you erase that and put your number up there?‘ That’s kinda how this kid’s wired. This kid’s hard-wired to play in the NFL. His goal was to get to college, do three years, get out and get to our level. I think as a result he’s getting rewarded for the fruits of his labor.”
Players like Muhammad are incredibly valuable.
It isn’t just that they’re talented. He obviously is. Under the guidance of Al Harris, he has a chance to become a starter in this defense within the first two years. All of the physical tools are there. What separates him is the mentality. Muhammad isn’t just interested in his own personal success. He wants to win. That can’t happen unless his teammates embrace the challenge of getting better as well. For him to immediately recognize the need for someone to push others tells you everything about his mental makeup.
If that weren’t enough, this quote probably seals it.
“You dominate everybody. When it’s time to put your nuts on the floor, you gotta go dominate. I mean, it’s just like second nature. When it’s a big game, shoot, we ’bout to get up for it.”
Yeah, this kid is a competitor. It probably isn’t a coincidence that Texas had its two best seasons in over a decade once he became a starter on defense. He played well and supplemented that with vocal leadership, willing teammates to do better. That helped put Texas one quarter away from winning the national championship. Unfortunately, they couldn’t overcome a stacked Ohio State team. No doubt the cornerback is eager to have the same impact in Chicago.
History could be on their side as well.
The last time the Bears drafted a defensive back from Texas, they selected Nathan Vasher in 2004. He became a crucial part of the defense that helped the team reach Super Bowl XLI in 2006. Malik Muhammad is more talented than Vasher was, particularly in terms of athleticism and speed. Couple that with getting to work with Harris, arguably the best cornerbacks coach in the NFL, and his chances of success are high. Based on his reputation, there won’t be any fear of hard work.
Only one thing remains unknown. How long will it be before he sees the field? There is plenty of competition. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson are the presumed starters. Then you have a returning Terell Smith and former 5th round pick Zah Frazier in the mix as well. Muhammad won’t be given anything. He’ll have to earn it. If his personality is any indication, he wouldn’t have it any other way.