Malik Muhammad

NFL Draft Profile: Malik Muhammad

Position: Cornerback | School: Texas | Class: Junior

Height: 6'0" | Weight: 188 lbs | Archetype: Man / Slot Hybrid

College Career Summary

Malik Muhammad has been a cornerstone of the Texas secondary since stepping on campus as a highly-touted recruit from Dallas South Oak Cliff. A true "play-now" athlete, Muhammad saw significant snaps as a freshman in 2023, including a start in the Big 12 Championship. By 2024, he was a full-time starter, earning Preseason All-SEC honors and developing a reputation as a "sticky" man-defender.

His 2025 junior season was the definitive "money year." Despite missing one game (Florida) due to a minor injury, he led the Longhorns' boundary unit with elite ball production, highlighted by a two-interception masterpiece against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Muhammad officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on December 22, 2025, leaving Austin as a battle-tested defender who played nearly 1,500 career snaps in high-stakes environments.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 41

• Total Tackles: 97 (30 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 3.5 (2.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 1.0 (Recorded in 2025)

• Interceptions: 3 (2 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 16 (4 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Colorado St.	2 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Clean coverage; limited targets his way.
@ Michigan	4 Tkl	B	Physical in run support against a heavy front.
vs. UTSA	1 Tkl, 1 PD	B	Solid technique; maintained deep-third discipline.
vs. LA-Monroe	2 Tkl	B-	Efficient; rotated out in the second half.
@ Mississippi St.	2 Tkl	B	Sound tackling; erased the quick game.
vs. Florida	DNP	N/A	Sidelined with an undisclosed minor injury.
vs. Oklahoma	1 Tkl, 2 INT, 1 PD	A+	Star Impact. Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
vs. Georgia	5 Tkl	C-	Worst Game. Struggled with physical blocks and penalties.
@ Vanderbilt	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Blitzing. Showed versatility with a well-timed sack.
@ Arkansas	4 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	High Motor; active in pursuit all afternoon.
@ Kentucky	3 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B	Solid edge setting; disciplined in zone drops.
@ Texas A&M	3 Tkl	C+	Targeted often; allowed a few key intermediate catches.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Transitional Quickness: Muhammad has "oily hips" and some of the best short-area Agility in the class. He mimics receiver breaks with zero wasted motion.

• Ball-Hawking Instincts: As seen in the Red River Rivalry, he has an elite sense of timing. He plays the ball through the receiver's hands with high-level Play Recognition.

• Positional Versatility: While he thrives on the boundary, his twitchy nature and willingness to tackle make him a prime candidate to play the Slot at the next level.

• Special Teams Value: A proven volunteer on return units and punt block teams; he has a natural "feel" for the game in all three phases.

Weaknesses

• Frame Density: Currently 188 lbs, he sits below the desired 200 lb threshold. NFL scouts will want to see if he can add 10–12 lbs of muscle without losing his "twitch."

• Tackling Technique: While willing, he can be a "diver." He needs to improve his wrap-up Technique to avoid being shrugged off by physical NFL ball carriers.

• Recovery Speed: He is fast, but not a "4.2 burner." If he loses his initial Press jam, he can struggle to make up ground against elite deep threats.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Man/Nickel Corner in a scheme that values versatility and pattern-matching (e.g., Dolphins or Cowboys).

NFL Comparison: Marcus Peters (Early Career)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 16/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 89/100

Malik Muhammad is a "gamer." He lacks the elite size of the "Unicorn" corners in this class, but he makes up for it with high-end football IQ and some of the stickiest man-coverage traits available. His performance in high-leverage rivalry games proves he doesn't shrink when the lights are brightest. Because of his ability to slide inside to the nickel and his proven production in the SEC, he is a high-floor prospect who could become a long-term starter.

Draft Projection: Early 2nd Round