The Chicago Bears didn’t get much high praise for their work on day two of the draft last week. That meant they needed a good day three or they risked severe backlash from fans and media, justified or not. Thankfully, things got started off right in the 4th round. Needing help on defense, they managed to land Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. Experts were surprised he’d fallen that far, having earned high marks leading up to the event. One would think he was thrilled to get selected.
Not based on recent evidence. A video surfaced of Muhammad at his home, reacting to Chicago picking him. While friends and family celebrated, the cornerback sat on his couch, his expression stoic. He did not look happy. Some wondered if he didn’t want to go to Chicago. As a native of Dallas, Texas, it’s possible he was angry that his hometown Cowboys had taken a cornerback earlier in the round (Devin Moore from Florida) over him. It’s worth noting Muhammad was rated far above Moore leading up to the draft. Or perhaps he was just upset he fell as far as he did
Malik Muhammad was quick to respond.
Most draft prospects would try to avoid such a controversy and keep their head down until training camp. Not the rookie cornerback. Once the video started circulating on social media, he decided to clear things up with a statement. He indicated that his reaction had nothing to do with playing for the Bears. As far as he’s concerned, this is a dream come true for him. He is immensely grateful to the organization for giving him the opportunity and intends to take full advantage of the opportunity.
One of the reasons the Bears loved Muhammad while scouting him was his maturity. They felt he carried himself like somebody far beyond his years. That is reflected in this response. He could’ve just dodged the issue, saying it was no big deal. Instead, he clarified that he is fully dedicated to the Bears. The video showed him wrestling with several emotions. Sometimes people don’t know how to respond at first. It was a huge moment in his life. It doesn’t change the fact that he lands in a great spot.
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Muhammad has all the motivation he needs.
Maybe it was falling as far as he did. Maybe it was the Cowboys’ passing on him. It wouldn’t be the first time that scenario played out. Randy Moss expected Dallas to take him in 1998, but they passed. He fell all the way to the 20s that year, feeling insulted. He proceeded to deliver one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. Obviously, Malik Muhammad is not Moss, but the circumstances are the same. His talent did not justify a fall of that magnitude. This player was instrumental in Texas reaching the national championship game in 2024.
What on earth convinced teams that he wasn’t worth a higher pick? Muhammad will stew over that question for months to come. By the time he reaches training camp at the end of July, he’ll be practically frothing at the mouth to get on the field and start working. That will suit the Bears just fine. Getting a motivated player only makes their job easier. If Al Harris and Dennis Allen are as capable as they’ve shown to be, Muhammad may not need long to push for a starting job.
