Trayvon Mullen is ready to breakout as Raiders CB 1

One of the most exciting members of the Las Vegas Raiders defense is third-year cornerback Trayvon Mullen. He was drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft and he was one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in that draft. Going into his third season, Mullen has earned his starting position.

After a solid rookie season, Mullen played even better in his second year. He allowed 54 catches on 85 targets and forced 12 incompletions, which ranked as 8th best among the 78 cornerbacks that played at least 350 snaps. He also racked up 64 combined tackles in 2020.

The cornerback group, as a whole, is one of the Raider’s biggest question marks heading into the 2021 season. Damon Arnette, Nate Hobbs, and Nevin Lawson are some of the others battling for playing time behind Mullen and Casey Hayward. The only sure thing right now is Mullen.

While he played well last season, he wasn’t satisfied. Mullen told reporters he knows he can “be more dominant in a lot of areas,” and says, “that will happen for sure.” The Raiders potential CB1 has a passion for football. His dedication to improving a previously low-ranked defense really stands out, and if the Raiders are wise, they should consider locking him up before he really breaks out.

Players are eligible for a contract extension after their third year in the league. That means Mullen is facing a crucial season if he wants to earn an extension from the Raiders. One of Mullen’s strongest attributes is his urgency and aggression. He stands out as one of the most determined and motivated players on the Raiders defense, something that goes a long way in the locker room and on the field.

For Mullen to earn his extension, he must continue to play aggressively, forcing turnovers and tackles for loss. His leadership abilities must begin to emerge this season as he leads the younger cornerbacks on the roster. With his dedication and pure love for the sport, Mullen is poised for a stand-out third year in the league.