Oakland Raiders: Surprise options at No. 4 during 2019 NFL Draft

Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson

While fixing their pass-rushing woes should be the Raiders’ top priority, it’s unclear what their options will be when they’re finally on the clock during Day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft. If the edge defender they covet isn’t on the board, going in a different direction may be their best bet.

The next stop on the needs list is cornerback. So going for LSU’s Williams seems like the logical option, right? Yes, but what if he’s gone too? There’s a strong sense the San Francisco 49ers could be targeting the top cover man at No. 2, which would take that possibility off the table.

Maybe Deandre Baker is the answer? It’s possible, but not guaranteed. While he’s a proven playmaker in coverage, he doesn’t offer much size and isn’t for everyone. Luckily, there’s another cornerback prospect who seems to flying up draft boards right now: Trayvon Mullen.

While part of his meteoric rise has to do with his dazzling performance during the National Championship Game, Mullen has quickly caught the eye of the NFL community. He’s got the physical tools to be a shutdown cornerback, and the football IQ needed to make an instant impact at the next level.

If Mullens shines during the pre-draft process, don’t be surprised to see him work his way into the Top 10 discussion. He may even convince the Raiders to consider him at No. 4.