Some of the Chicago Bears' draft picks have high expectations, but the buzz around fourth-round pick Malik Muhammad has some excitement surrounding him.
Many see Muhammad as the sleeper pick of the draft for the Bears and could be competing for a starting job in 2026. He was asked about whether he was gunning for a starting job, and he gave the exact response Bears fans were hoping to hear.
'For sure," Muhammad said. "It's the only mindset I have."
Malik Muhammad is looking to steal a job in 2026
There are a couple of scenarios in which Muhammad might be able to win a starting job in 2026. He can either beat out Tyrique Stevenson at CB2 or fill in at nickel in place of Kyler Gordon.
It would be highly unlikely that Gordon gets replaced in the slot, as he's one of the best in the NFL if he can stay healthy. There was a chance before the draft that Gordon was being looked at to play safety, but first-round pick Dillon Thieneman quickly crushed that idea.
Stevenson's job, on the other hand, is not 100% secure and can definitely be replaced at some point. Bears fans saw it first hand last year when Nahshon Wright ended up beating him out by the end of the season, and Stevenson was reduced to the bench.
Muhammad can jump right in and take the job from Stevenson in training camp, and most Bears fans wouldn't complain about it. Stevenson has not been able to shake the Washington Commanders' 2024 Hail Mary play from Bears fans' memory and may never recover.
Read more: Bears coach already knows the endless possibilities with one of his rookies
Chicago's secondary is going to be interesting in 2026 as they transition with two new safeties, but will Muhammad be a part of those plans as a new starter at cornerback?
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