5 breakout stars to watch for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021
2. Trayvon Mullen. CB
Among Raiders’ cornerbacks, 2020 first-rounder Damon Arnette might be easy to point to as a breakout candidate this year (and he does need to improve). But the choice here is Mullen, a second-round pick out of Clemson in 2019 who is big (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and fast (4.46 40 at the Scouting Combine).
Mullen had two interceptions and 14 pass breakups last year, along with 64 total tackles. He was not perfect, but early in the season he got props as a top-end press coverage corner and an interception of Patrick Mahomes in November was a highlight.
PFF: Raiders CB Trayvon Mullen is the highest-graded cornerback in press coverage in NFL https://t.co/KZZlLSLZjT
— Raiders Wire (@TheRaidersWire) October 2, 2020
Mahomes-Robinson miscommunication gifts Trayvon Mullen an INT 🎁pic.twitter.com/BSHhGEYfzS
— PFF (@PFF) November 23, 2020
In Gus Bradley’s Seattle Seahawks’ rooted system, Mullen’s size, speed and physicality profiles perfectly as an effective outside corner. If he can turn some of his pass breakups (24 over two seasons) into interceptions, the Raiders’ defense will benefit from that ball-hawking. A big third-year step is in the offing, and that will be a breakout campaign for Mullen.