When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys and their draft strategies, there's one constant: Jerry Jones loves his Texas players. This year, they're eyeing Malik Muhammad, a standout cornerback from the Longhorns, who could be a game-changer for the Cowboys' defense.
New defensive coordinator Christian Parker is on a mission to revamp a struggling Dallas secondary. With his expertise in coaching defensive backs, Muhammad could be just the player Parker needs to start this transformation.
While linebacker is a tempting early pick for the Cowboys, especially with talents like Anthony Hill and Georgia's C.J. Allen on the radar, the depth at cornerback makes it a smart play to wait until pick 92.
That's where Muhammad comes into the picture. Snagging him in the third round could be a steal.
Muhammad, at 21, has already proven his mettle. After stepping up as Texas' top cornerback in 2025, he earned All-SEC Second Team honors, allowing a mere 57.8 passer rating when targeted. Those are numbers that catch any scout's eye.
The draft landscape is such that LSU's Mansoor Delane will likely be off the board by the time Dallas picks at No. 12. And unless the Cowboys are comfortable with the medical histories of Tennessee's Jermod McCoy or Clemson's Avieon Terrell, they might pass on a first-round cornerback.
If they’re keen on Hill, they might reach for him at No. 20.
But Muhammad presents a different scenario. With no second-round pick, Dallas would be wise to grab him at 92 if he's still available.
His talent at that stage in the draft is a rare find.
Muhammad’s stats speak volumes. He allowed less than 30 receiving yards in all but one start in 2025 and impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical.
His versatility is another asset. Whether playing on the boundary or in the nickel, he has the athletic ability to excel in either role, potentially starting right away in Dallas.
While other Longhorns might be getting more attention in the 2026 Draft, Muhammad is a gem that shouldn't be overlooked. With Jones and Parker at the helm, they could very well tap into this talent, strengthening the Dallas defense and continuing the Austin-to-Dallas talent pipeline.