An early entrant, Texas Longhorns cornerback Manny Muhammad was selected with the No. 124 overall pick in the fourth round by the Chicago Bears on Saturday, becoming the second player from head coach Steve Sarkisian’s program selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Muhammad was selected following a trade with the Carolina Panthers that allowed the Bears to move up five spots in the fourth round and the Panthers to move up 22 spots as the teams
swapped fifth-round picks.
Possessing the prototypical measurements that NFL coaches look for in cornerbacks, Muhammad has superb technique in man and zone as a do-it-all cover corner that uses his speed and change of direction to disrupt throws.
A consensus four-star prospect out of South Oak Cliff ranked as the No. 46 player overall and the No. 4 cornerback in the 2023 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Muhammad was a big recruiting win for the Texas coaching staff. Advertised as a strong athlete with Day 1 coverage skills, Muhammad lived up to the hype.
As a freshman at Texas, Muhammad appeared in all 14 games while recording 31 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception. He also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt. In coverage, Muhammad graded out at a high level as a true freshman, according to Pro Football Focus, allowing only 10.3 yards per reception on 24 catches.
With the departure of senior Ryan Watts, Muhammad was expected to fill that starting role for the Texas secondary. While starting every game in 2024, Muhammad demonstrated ball skills, fluid hips, and natural instincts in route to 36 tackles (32 solo), one tackle for loss, and eight passes broken up while limiting opponents to a 50-percent reception rate when he was targeted.
However, late in the season, Muhammad struggled, committing three penalties in the College Football Playoffs and allowing 92 against Clemson, prompting him to make a preseason promise to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian before the 2025 season opener against Ohio State.
“In the playoffs, I was inconsistent, and it kind of lingered a little bit into those playoff games. So I just wanted to let it be known that, ‘Coach, you can put your trust in me. I’m coming to play,’” said Muhammad.
So, after a strong sophomore campaign with a shaky ending, Muhammad returned as the best cover corner in the Longhorn secondary and a vow to be more consistent. He did not disappoint.
Against Ohio State, Muhammad helped hold Jeremiah Smith, one of the best wide receivers in the country, to six receptions for 43 yards. The tape from Columbus showcases a physical corner holding his own against one of the best in the sport.
Muhammad’s improvement and consistency remained on display throughout the season. Tallying 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions, Muhammad’s impact cannot be properly conveyed with statistics — opposing quarterbacks intentionally picked on opposing corners in order to steer clear of Muhammad.
For the season, he was targeted just 34 times and allowed only two catches of 11-plus yards during the entire season.
At the NFL Combine, Muhammad measured at 6’0, 182 pounds with 32 3/8-inch arms. His lanky frame is a strength, although he felt like he needed to add strength, gaining eight pounds of muscle before participating in the Texas Pro Day in late March.
With a 4.42 40, 39-inch vertical, and 10’10 broad jump, Muhammad possesses more than enough athleticism to cover in the NFL. His 10-yard split was the best of any cornerback while his broad jump was in the 92nd percentile. Not to mention, his fluidity and change of direction are top tier on tape.
As he looks to the next level, Muhammad has drawn attention for his ability to pattern match and cover from man or zone looks. His ball skills are also particularly strong and have drawn praise from NFL front offices.
Against NFL ball carriers and bigger receivers, Muhammad’s post-combine weight gain should help him.
Now, Muhammad is the next Longhorn defensive back in the NFL thanks to his strong physical attributes, sound technique, and excellent ball skills that should allow him to become an early contributor in the league.
