Trayvon

Mullen

The second defensive back the Raiders have added after selecting S Johnathan Abram in the first round, Mullen (6’2/199) went pro as a true junior after making 26 starts in three seasons for the Tigers, tallying 12 career pass breakups and four picks. He earned National Championship Game Defensive MVP honors in January’s win over Alabama with two takeaways and a sack. PFF College credited Mullen with a stingy 61.0 passer rating allowed when targeted in 2018, and his 0.65 yards allowed per coverage snap was the ACC’s top mark. A rangy press corner with 4.46 speed, Mullen’s tape reveals a willing hitter with loose hips and plus length to hang with bigger wideouts but a prospect who needs to add strength and play with more consistency.

Mullen is arguably the most polarizing corner in this class; someone have him as a Day 3 talent, some thought that the former Clemson defender was a candidate to be a late first-round pick. Miller splits the difference. The Rams traded down from the 31st pick with the Falcons (The Falcons took Washington T Kaleb McGary) and Mullen fills a need as an athletic corner with solid size (6'1/199).

Mullen’s perceived value has fluctuated thus far. At one point, Mullen was in a few first-round mock drafts, but it appears that he’s closer to the late second round. According to Pro Football Focus, Mullen led draft-eligible ACC corners in yards per cover snap allowed, but there are some concerns surrounding his explosiveness -- his 34.5-inch vertical is below average for the position.

Mullen (6'1/199) allowed just 0.65 yards per cover snap, topping both Boston College’s Hamp Cheevers and University of Miami’s Micheal Jackson Senior. Despite performing fairly well at the NFL Scouting Combine, his athletic composite score ended up in just the 59th percentile among all cornerbacks. He currently sits on the Day 1 border and is a likely top-50 selection.

Mullen (6'1/199) kept up with all but the fleetest of foot corners in the class, and considering his length, this is a very solid number for the Clemson star. There could be some questions about his explosiveness, as his 34.5-inch vertical was among the worst of any defender in the class. Still, Mullen has a great chance of being a top 50 selection, and has been mocked in the late first-rounds by some draft analysts. Those who were high on him didn’t see anything on Monday that should change their opinions, but those who had questions probably aren’t changing their minds, either.

Pauline notes that the Chiefs are considering a running back with this pick, but Mullen (6'1/195) “is a terrific corner with great upside.” During the National Championship Game, Mullen picked off Tua Tagovailoa, giving him four interceptions over the last two seasons. The Draft Network’s Joe Marino called Mullen “an intriguing prospect with appealing physical traits that are useful in today’s NFL.” Mullens currently sits on the Day 1/Day 2 borderline.

Mullen (6'1/195) spent a day reveling in glow of Clemson’s transcendent, title-securing blowout of Alabama, but it’s down to business, now. The junior corner registered 36 tackles (4.0 for loss), two sacks and an interception in 13 games played during the just-completed campaign. You’ll most certainly remember that interception if you tuned into Monday’s contest -- it came on a Tua Tagovailoa deep throw to nowhere which Mullen easily got his hands on. He picked off three passes a year ago. As for his draft profile, the corner has first-round upside, with The Draft Network’s Joe Marino referring to him as “an intriguing prospect with appealing physical traits that are useful in today’s NFL.” Those traits include length, physicality and a keen football mind.

Mullen, who had his leg rolled up on during Clemson’s Sept. 29 win over Syracuse. reportedly did not have any issues with the ankle during pregame. The junior is a key member of Clemson’s secondary with regards to both talent and experience. Should Mullen be limited or unable to play freshman Kyler McMichael, who filled in for the junior against Syracuse, could be next in line.

Mullen, who is one of Clemson’s most experienced cornerbacks, appeared to have his leg rolled up on by the team sideline. This injury is another blow to Clemson’s depth at corner, as senior Mark Fields was suspended ahead of Saturday’s game. While Mullen, whose status moving forward has yet to be announced, was being checked out by team trainers freshman Kyler McMichael entered the game as his replacement.

Mullen had been thought of as either a future Seminole or a future LSU Tiger, making his final decision to sign with Clemson something of a surprise. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder checks in at No. 18 on the ESPN 300. He’s their No. 2 corner prospect behind Florida State signee Levonta Taylor. Scout.com notes that Mullen’s “explosive out of his breaks” thanks to his hip flexibility. He also has the size and length to hang with just about any receiver in a jump-ball situation, though he’ll need to add some weight to that frame.