Overview
- The Bears traded up in the fourth round to draft Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad.
- He enters a corner room led by Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon and will battle Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith for a starting outside role.
- Muhammad posted a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-10 broad jump, pointing to plus speed and leaping ability.
- His selection continues an overhaul after the exits of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard, with first-round safety Dillon Thieneman and veteran Coby Bryant now in place at safety.
- The unit is chasing a repeat of 2025’s NFL-leading 33 takeaways and 23 interceptions, as questions linger about the pass rush and the health of key defensive backs.