Devy Diamonds: Jabbar Muhammad, Defensive Back, Oregon
Welcome to Devy Diamonds: Muhammad was a three-star prospect out of Desoto High School in Desoto, Texas. He had five offers before committing to Oklahoma State in April of 2018. Muhammad played a few seasons with Oklahoma State before entering the transfer portal. In December of 2022, he committed to Washington. After one season with Washington, he decided to join the transfer portal again. He had an unofficial visit to Alabama before committing to Oregon in January 2024. As a transfer, he elevated his game and became a four-star prospect.
He redshirted his freshman season in 2020. In his first 2021 season, 18 of his 23 total tackles were solo. Plus, he showed his ability to get his hands on the ball with three pass deflections.
His third season with Oklahoma State would be his first being a full-time starter. This season, Muhammad nearly tripled his snap count from the year previous. He continued to showcase his closing speed. 32 of his 48 tackles were solo. Additionally, his physicality was implemented at the line of scrimmage. This year he had 17 run stops. He did allow one touchdown this season, but less than 60 percent of targets thrown his way were incomplete. Muhammad is a physical defensive back who gets hands on the ball. This year he had nine pass deflections.
His redshirt junior year would be his first, and only, with Washington. He made an impact on every play as their starter. Muhammad had to shadow some of the nation’s top receivers. An easy task for him. During his season with Washington, he allowed 51.2 percent completion when targeted. His 41 solo tackles showed he had the strength to bring down ball carriers on his own. Muhammad continued to improve his coverage skills this season by causing 12 pass deflections. Plus, he had a career-high three interceptions.
Currently, at Oregon, he has allowed 50 percent completion when targeted. Through three games he already has three pass deflections. He is also on pace to gain over 60 total tackles, which would be a career-high. The BIG10 is sure to challenge Muhammad with the receivers he will be asked to guard. However, Oregon brought him to be their physical defensive back disrupting passing lanes. Stay tuned until the end of the season to see how he finished.
Strengths:
- Man Coverage. His quick footwork and fluid hips allow him to mirror the movements of receivers. Muhammad’s ability to stick like glue on receivers makes it difficult for them to gain separation.
- Ball Skills. Muhammad has an instinct to track the ball in the air and make plays on it. He consistently breaks up passes, and every so often gets an interception. His awareness and hands are strong assets in pass defense.
- Versatility. He is capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary. The versatility allows defenses to use him in various roles depending on the situation. He can cover the slot, play outside, or provide help deep.
- Tackling. Muhammad is a reliable tackler. He shows good technique in bringing down ball carriers. Plus, he is not afraid to step up in run support. His physicality and willingness to tackle are key components of his game.
- Physicality. Despite not having an elite size, Muhammad plays with a high level of physicality. He is aggressive at the line of scrimmage, particularly in press coverage, where he uses his hands effectively to disrupt receivers’ timing.
Areas of Improvement
- Size. Muhammad’s lack of ideal size (5’10 – 185 pounds) can be a disadvantage when matched up against bigger, taller receivers. This can make it difficult for him to contest jump balls. Luckily, he plays with physicality and welcomes these types of challenges.
- Recovery Speed. He is solid in coverage, but his recovery speed is not elite. If beaten off the line or caught out of position, he can struggle to catch up with faster receivers. This could lead to big plays for opposing offenses.
- Zone Coverage. Although strong in man coverage, he has room for improvement in zone schemes. He can occasionally lose track of receivers when passing them off or fail to properly cover his zone.
- Durability. He plays with physical aggression especially when tackling ball carriers. This form of play can lead to potential injury concerns. It does not help that he has a smaller frame too.
Draft Stock: Eligible 2025
Consensus Projected Draft Capital: Day 2 Pick
Personal Projected Draft Capital: Day 2 Pick
Ideal Landing Spot: Washington Commanders
The Commanders will likely seek to solidify their secondary this upcoming offseason. They have struggled to find a true lockdown cornerback who can neutralize elite receivers. Muhammad possesses the speed and physicality necessary to fill that role. His fluidity in coverage allows him to mirror top receivers. This prevents these receivers from gaining separation. In a division filled with star wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, and Malik Nabers, the Commanders need a corner who can go toe-to-toe with physical and fast alphas. Muhammad excels in man coverage, using his speed to stay in the hip pocket of his assignments. He uses his physicality to disrupt route timing for receivers. Last year in Washington, as well as this year at Oregon, he has demonstrated that he can shut down WR1s. His aggressive style of play with his ability to challenge passes in the air makes him a valuable asset.
Fantasy Impact
Typically it is not wise to target shutdown corners in IDP formats. They are often not targeted due to their playmaking abilities, however, Muhammad is different. His instincts allow him to anticipate plays effectively. He can be a consistent contributor in both run support and pass coverage. Additionally, Muhammad’s versatility to line up in various defensive packages, whether outside as a corner or in the slot, increases his chances of staying on the field. This expanded role could provide him with more opportunities to make impactful IDP plays. Plus, he is a consistent tackler who does not need the help of his teammates to bring down ball carriers. As he transitions to the NFL, his high snap count potential and ability to make plays on defense could translate into solid, consistent fantasy production. He is worth a stash in IDP dynasty formats making him a Devy Diamond.
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