Grading The Trade: Bears move up in the fourth-round to add another killer to the secondary by selecting Malik Muhammad
The Chicago Bears made a slight move up the draft board in the fourth-round to secure another trained killer in the secondary by drafting Texas CB Malik Muhammad with the 124th overall pick.
After watching Miami defensive back Keionte Scott come off the board in the fourth-round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears made a slight move up to ensure they added another trained killer to the secondary.
The Bears traded picks No. 129 and 144 to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for picks No. 124 and 166. Chicago used the 124th overall pick to select Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad.
It’s the second addition the Bears have made to the secondary after previously drafting do-it-all safety Dillon Thieneman in the first-round. Muhammad is another versatile DB with inside/outside flexibility.
What the Bears are getting in Texas DB Malik Muhammad
“A tough and tenacious cornerback, Muhammad loves getting his hands on opposing wide receivers early on in reps. Even with him being a skinnier cover man, his press skills brings a stable floor to the table. That competitiveness is also shown out when working in coverage, having little issue with rerouting and remaining in phase.
The biggest question for Muhammad is long speed, which does not match his testing numbers. His zone instincts will also need to improve greatly. There are some raw skills to lean into but Muhammad is far from a finished product, which is expected for a younger cornerback.”
Muhammad is a scrappy player that was projected to go on Day 2 of the draft. So, after reaching heavily in the third-round on Sam Roush and Zavion Thomas, general manager Ryan Poles finds good value here in Muhammad.
Grading the selection of Malik Muhammad and the trade to land him
Again, the decision to move up had to be connected to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sniping Scott earlier in the fourth-round. It wasn’t an expensive move to jump a few spots and make sure the Bears land another killer that can be used in dime packages.
Muhammad paired with Kyler Gordon and the two safeties gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen plenty of weapons to work with inside the hashes. Love the value, just wish it could have been Scott instead.
Grade: B+
