Malik Muhammad has boundary starting potential for the Chiefs' secondary

Historically, the Chiefs are very willing to draft corners. The question is what part of the draft are they willing to do so? In eight years, Brett Veach has only drafted one corner in the first round (Trent McDuffie) and one corner on Day 2 (Nohl Williams). Meanwhile, the Chiefs have drafted 11 total corners over the last several years. Further illustrating the fact that the Chiefs love to draft corners—on Day 3.

The cornerback class as a whole is very solid into Day 2 and Day 3, so it feels highly likely that the Chiefs will double up at the position. The question is where does that double up come from? Is it Day 1 and Day 3? Day 2 and Day 3? There are lots of unknowns around the Chiefs' secondary, especially with the additions of Kaiir Elam and Kader Kohou. Do the Chiefs view those guys as depth that needs to be replaced or as projected starters?

Malik Muhammad is an interesting answer for all these questions, as his range is wide but his skill set is enticing.

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NFL Draft Profile: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

1. Malik Muhammad's background
2. Malik Muhammad's strengths
3. Malik Muhammad's weaknesses
4. Malik Muhammad's fit with the Chiefs

Malik Muhammad's background

Age: 21 (on draft day)

Height 6-00

Weight: 180 LBS

Hands: 9 7/8 inches

Arms: 32 3/8

Tape Exposure: Texas A&M (2025), Ohio State (2025), Oklahoma (2025)

Muhammad attended South Oak Cliff High School and was rated as a four-star prospect via 247Sports, where he had several high-level offers. He was also a decorated high school sprinter and jumper in track and field. Muhammad has a rich NFL and college football bloodline, with several cousins both on college and NFL rosters. Muhammad found the field as a true freshman for a talented Texas defense and played in 41 games over his three-year career at Texas. He finished his college career with 97 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 16 passes defended. He declared for the NFL Draft early as a true junior.

Malik Muhammad's strengths

Athleticsm/ Size

Despite being a little light, he plays bigger than his size. He's got big hands and long arms, paired with strong long speed and acceleration.

Man Coverage

Strong footwork and technique allow him to play tight man coverage. His speed allows him to recover well and play off space naturally. He showed the ability to press at the line of scrimmage as well.

Football IQ

He has a natural feel for zones, and he passes off routes well. A strong communicator on the field, he was asked to do quite a bit as a true freshman. Great instincts in coverage.

Malik Muhammad's weaknesses

Weight

At 182 lbs, that puts him in the 11th percentile of body weight for corners. This can make him prone to missed tackles and easy to move off his spot by larger and more physical receivers.

Run Defense

Not a bad run defender, but he likes to use the "hit stick" to a fault at times and will throw his body weight around, which leads to some sloppy tackling.

Hand Usage/ Ball Production

Needs cleanup in hand usage, as some of his competitiveness could turn into penalties at the next level. Only three career interceptions and zero forced fumbles for Muhammad limit his splash plays.

Malik Muhammad's fit with the Chiefs

Muhammad has played exclusively on the outside for Texas, and that's where he factors in for the Chiefs. His competitiveness and length make him a fit for the Chiefs, but he will need to improve in run defense and press technique if he's really going to fit the Chiefs' mold at corner. His athleticism and IQ make him a high-floor Day 2 prospect for most schemes. With some growth and some weight, he could project as a starter on the outside.

Muhammad is an instinctive, fluid corner with excellent man coverage skills, quick feet, and the speed to mirror routes and close on plays. He shows strong awareness in zone and competes in run support, but a lean frame limits strength and consistency when shedding blocks. He can be overly aggressive, leading to penalties, missed tackles, and susceptibility to double moves.

Round Grade: Red Chip (Round 3 grade)

Shades of: Max Melton