Silver Minings: Trayvon Mullen looks to step up in 2020

Although he’s going to be entering his second season, cornerback Trayvon Mullen is ready to step up and be a leader for the Raiders on defense.

Taking on a leadership role won’t be anything new for Mullen, who took a leadership role at Clemson while they won two national championships. He was then named the 2019 CFB National Championship Defensive MVP.

After an impressive rookie campaign last season, Mullen is ready to prove himself as one of the best young corners in the pro game.

“I’m more comfortable than ever and I just have a different edge to me and a different mindset,” Mullen told the media on Thursday, according to Raiders.com. “[It’s about] just being able to be comfortable and more confident in myself and to go through one year with a lot of experienced guys; just my mentality through the offseason, what I was grinding for and what I knew what I wanted.”

In addition to Mullen who was a second rounder in 2019, his teammate Johnathan Abram was a first rounder in the same draft. Abram played in only one game last year but is looking to establish himself as a solid young piece as well.

“[Abram] has a really good communication level and he practices very hard,” Mullen said. “His edge is just there, and he brings his guys up and he asks a lot of questions. With John, he just continues to grow and he’s gotten a lot better, and I have a lot of confidence in him as well.”

In addition to the young guys on defense, there is also the 2020 first-round draft pick Damon Arnette from Ohio State, who actually grew up with Mullen in South Florida.

“I’ve known Damon [Arnette] forever,” Mullen said. “We grew up together, same area and we’re from the same city. He’s always been a good guy, always been a good player. He’s just got a lot a talent. Just seeing him out here everyday and the way he grind, he’s just a different dude. He’s going to be a hell of a player.”

Jon Gruden knows how young his guys are on defense, but he’s not worried at all about that.

“We’re hoping we have the makings of a good, young secondary that can be great someday,” Gruden said. “They’re going to get tested we know that, but we didn’t draft these guys to stand on the sideline.”

In other Raiders’ links:

• The Las Vegas Raiders announced a new partnership, naming real estate company Homie the “Official Real Estate Partner of the Raiders.”
• Las Vegas Raiders like “stronger” Daniel Carlson kicking in new their stadium.
• When Allegiant Stadium opens to fans, it will do so as the first sports venue to go cashless from its inception.
• Richie Incognito went searching for redemption last year. The veteran NFL guard discovered it in a franchise that has time and again offered players opportunity for a brighter tomorrow.
• Projecting who the Raiders will cut prior to Saturday’s deadline.
• Driving in Las Vegas is a challenge for Carl Nassib.
• The Raiderettes might not have fans at Allegiant Stadium to help cheer on Las Vegas’ new NFL team this season, but they will have a slightly new look.
• According to the San Diego Tribune, Las Vegas Raiders will be AFC West’s most intriguing team.
• Former Ohio State and current Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Damon Arnette has broken his thumb according to sources close to the program. It’s not known what his status is, but it’s a setback for the first-round draft pick that has impressed in preseason camp.