Malik Muhammad Draft Grade | Round 4, Pick 24 | FanVerdicts

A+

Top 3%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Steal

Position

CB · Premium Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #81 · Day 2 Value

Malik Muhammad emerges as one of Texas' most consistent defensive backs after three standout seasons in Austin. The Dallas native steadily climbed draft boards with his reliable coverage skills and improved ball production, transforming from a solid role player as a sophomore to a legitimate NFL prospect by his senior campaign. Muhammad's calling card is his exceptional technique in press coverage and his ability to mirror receivers through their breaks, though questions remain about his recovery speed against elite separation. His football IQ and competitive fire have made him a cornerstone of the Longhorns' secondary, but inconsistent tackling in run support and occasional lapses in deep coverage have prevented him from reaching elite status.

Strengths

+Outstanding press coverage technique with active hands to disrupt receiver timing at the line of scrimmage, consistently jamming targets and forcing altered routes.

+Exceptional hip fluidity and change of direction ability allows him to stay in phase with receivers through complex route combinations and double moves.

+High football IQ evident in his route recognition and anticipation, often jumping routes based on down-and-distance and formation reads.

+Competitive streak shows up in contested catch situations where he consistently challenges receivers at the catch point rather than playing reactive coverage.

+Strong ball skills with excellent timing on pass breakups, showing natural instincts to get his hands in passing lanes at the optimal moment.

+Reliable in man coverage concepts, particularly effective when matched up against slot receivers where his quickness and technique shine.

+Good communication skills as a vocal leader in the secondary, consistently directing traffic and making pre-snap adjustments.

+Shows impressive recovery ability when initially beaten, displaying the motor and angle-taking skills to close ground on receivers.

+Effective blitzer when called upon, showing good timing and the ability to disguise his intentions pre-snap.

+Fundamentally sound tackler in space when squaring up ball carriers, rarely allowing extra yards after contact in open field situations.

+Demonstrates good awareness in zone coverage, maintaining proper depth and leverage while keeping eyes on the quarterback.

Weaknesses

NFL Comparison: Brian Poole

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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