One of the more intriguing junior class NFL Draft prospects is Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. Projected as a younger talent with superior athletic skills and a high upside, find out where Muhammad ranks in the Draft and what his scouting report reveals.
Malik Muhammad 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Measurables:
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 182 lbs.
Position: CB
School: Texas (Junior)
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Background:
A four-star recruit from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Malik Muhammad was a dual-sport athlete who competed in track and football. Recording 70 tackles and three interceptions his junior year and 60 tackles and two interceptions as a senior, he was instrumental in his football team earning back-to-back state championships.
Committing to Texas, he appeared in all 14 games in 2023 as a freshman, earning two starts. Recovering a blocked punt against Oklahoma, he scored his first career touchdown that year. Named to the pre-season All-SEC second team ahead of his sophomore year, he started all 16 games, recording 36 tackles and eight pass deflections.
Named once again to the All-SEC second team ahead of the 2025 season, Muhammad made the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist. Posting 30 tackles (23 solo), 1.0 sack, two interceptions, and four Pass defenses as a junior, he decided to forego his senior year to declare for the Draft.
On the LWOS NFL Draft Big Board, Muhammad comes in at number 108 and is projected as a Day 2 prospect. But that was before his impressive Combine performance.
A Standout At The NFL Combine:
One of the standouts at the 2026 NFL Combine, Muhammad’s 4.42-second 40-yard dash showcased his explosive 1.51-second 10-yard split that tied for first place among participating cornerbacks. Additionally, his 39-inch vertical and 10’10” broad jump combined for a Top Ten performance that ranked 8th overall in his class.
NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Muhammad displays outstanding field vision that translates well to good zone coverage. Additionally, Zierlein described his talent to match patterns “staying-in-phase and shadowing break points.”
However, Zierlein noted that with his slender frame, Muhammad can be outmuscled by big, strong wideouts inside and at the catch-point. Noting that he can typically hold his own, Zierlein concluded Muhammad has starter-level ability.
Strengths:
Explosive initial burst with 10-yard split timing of 1.51
32 3/8 inch arms with advantageous reach on the edge
Superior change of direction and ball tracking skills
Superior field vision on all levels
Ability to read and match routes well
Good fluidity and change of direction
Strong Special Teams ability with advantageous speed and timing
Weaknesses:
His slender frame could need bulking up for strength and stability
Can easily be outmuscled by more physical receivers
His light frame is potentially more vulnerable to injury
Tackling lacks proper finish and needs improvement
Sometimes gets pulled out of position
Best fits:
Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, or Pittsburgh Steelers
Last Word on Malik Muhammad:
Muhammad comes from a family of athletes, including his cousin, former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J Green. His impressive field vision, superior athleticism, and speed suggest an NFL-ready prospect with high upside. Although his tackling needs improvement and he would benefit from adding bulk, Muhammad could be a solid contributor to both defense and special teams.
At the Combine, Muhammad was confident of his ability to “play to the speed of the game with the best in the world.” When asked what the scouts would see in him, he responded, “My technique, high (football) IQ, communication skills, and then just playing the game within the game.”
Currently, Muhammad is projected to be drafted between picks 60-80.