The Chicago Bears caught some flak for not selecting upgrades to the defensive line during last weekend’s NFL draft.
But on the other side of that coin is the value the Bears got at the second and third levels of the defense across the first half of Day 3. Specifically, former Texas Longhorns cornerback Malik Muhammad offers Chicago excellent value as the No. 124 overall pick in Round 4.
Gennaro Filice, editor at large with NFL.com, liked Chicago’s draft top-to-bottom more than the average analyst, ranking the Bears’ 2026 class 13th out of 32 teams. He named Muhammad the “sleeper” of the group, which included seven total selections.
“As a second-team All-SEC corner with good length who tested well at the combine, Muhammad is an alluring Day 3 pick,” Filice wrote. “The Bears’ depth chart lacks established options at outside corner beyond Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson.”
Bears Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson Was Below-Average in Coverage Last Season
GettyChicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
But Stevenson, a former second-round pick out of Miami, is heading into the final season of his $6.5 million rookie contract in 2026 and may need to concern himself with Muhammad’s potential to take his starting job.
Stevenson produced a slightly above-average campaign in 2025, per advanced metrics provided by Pro Football Focus (PFF), finishing ranked 50th out of 114 cornerbacks who saw enough snaps to qualify at the position in 2025.
He tallied eight pass breakups and one interception while allowing 37 receptions and a collective passer rating of 93.8 to opposing quarterbacks when targeted. Stevenson was an elite cornerback against the run, finishing third in run defense grade compared to 70th in coverage grade. He accounted for 41 solo tackles and two forced fumbles on the season, per PFF.
Malik Muhammad Projects as NFL Starter Based on Pre-Draft Evaluations
GettyChicago Bears rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad.
Meanwhile, Dane Brugler of The Athletic rated Muhammad as the 11th-best cornerback in this year’s draft class and afforded him a third-round grade, noting that the cornerback has starting potential at the next level.
Muhammad is a tall, skinny athlete with quality coverage-match talent. He doesn’t consistently play up to his timed speed, but he does show lateral agility and strain to stay attached to routes. He has athletic ball skills … although I wish he took more chances to create turnovers. He is tough versus the run, although not always consistent.
Muhammad can be out-physicaled at times, but he plays with good reaction quickness and route instincts, which help him stay attached in man or zone. He projects as a starter, with shades of Greg Newsome II.
The Bears displayed how much they valued Muhammad by trading up in Round 4 to acquire him last weekend.
“The Bears traded up four spots to draft Muhammad, who was listed as the fifth-best prospect available on Day 3, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr,” Courtney Cronin of ESPN wrote. “The Texas standout has the speed (4.42 second 40-yard dash) and man coverage skills that [defensive coordinator] Dennis Allen desires in his defensive backs and gives Chicago immediate depth at cornerback.”
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