Jabbar Muhammad Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

School: Oregon

Class: Redshirt Senior

Position: CB

HT: 5’10

WT: 183 lbs

Background: Jabbar Muhammad was an overlooked cornerback in the class of 2020. Out of DeSoto, Texas, Muhammad played for DeSoto High School, where he was a First Team All-District selection. On top of football, Muhammad also ran track in the offseason at DeSoto. Jabbar committed to Oklahoma State out of high school over Tulsa, Houston, and Colorado.

College: In a shortened 2020 season, Muhammad saw limited action for the Cowboys, but appeared in all 14 games in 2021, including a start in the Fiesta Bowl. Muhammad’s breakout season came in 2022 — when he started all 12 games. Muhammad tallied 9 pass breakups and an interception that season. After those 3 years at Oklahoma State, Muhammad transferred to Washington to play for Kalen Deboer. Muhammad was a First Team All-Pac 12 selection as a top cornerback on a team that made it to the national championship. He had 19 passes defended and 3 interceptions for the Huskies that season. After coaching changes in Washington in the offseason, Muhammad transferred to Oregon. Jabbar made a big impact on a secondary that desperately needed him. He had 12 passes defended for the Ducks on the season.

Strengths: Jabbar Muhammad excels as a press coverage cornerback due to his movement skills and natural instincts to get his hands on the football. He uses his length to either jar a ball free or go up and create a big turnover. Muhammad is a technician in coverage, he is patient while mirroring his man until he can make a play. He has fluid hips which allow him to match his opponent’s route. Whether it be in the deep or intermediate area of the field, Muhammad can follow an extensive route tree. If Muhammad is initially beaten off the line of scrimmage, he has great recovery skills to close the gap between his man and himself. Jabbar also showed an ability to play both as a nickel and as a boundary cornerback. In zone coverage, Muhammad has the instincts and speed to close in on the intended target and make a play on the football.

Weaknesses: Jabbar Muhammad has shown lapses as a tackler. Due to his smaller frame, he is susceptible to being run over or slipping off the ball carrier. He does not have that physical trait that you look for from a defensive back. Due to his smaller size, it is worth asking if he can succeed on the outside against the bigger receivers of the NFL. Muhammad has a difficult time turning his head around on those deep targets. He relies too much on the receiver’s body language instead of turning to look in the football.

Conclusion: Jabbar Muhammad put together an impressive career centered on tons of ball production. If he can brush up on his technique, especially in the deep areas of the field, he will be more than serviceable in the NFL. He will see reps at both the outside and the slot to begin his career until he finds his true NFL position.

Scheme Fit: Zone Coverage

Ideal Role: Nickel and Boundary CB

Best Team Fits: NO, GB, LAR

Player Comparison: Tre White

Player Grade: Round 2 (86.4)