CLEMSON in the NFL

NFL draft: Former Clemson CB selected by Raiders

NFL draft: Former Clemson CB selected by Raiders


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Former Clemson defensive back Trayvon Mullen was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 40th overall pick in the second round on Friday.

Mullen was a top target for the Raiders on day two of the draft.

"The goal going into the day was not to lose Trayvon," Raiders GM Mike Mayock said, "and try to pick up some picks. On the front side of it, we're ecstatic."

Mullen joins Clemson defensive teammate Clelin Ferrell in Oakland, who was picked No. 4 overall on Thursday. He is a fourth Tigers defender off the board in the first 40 picks, in addition to Christian Wilkins (Dolphins, No. 13) and Dexter Lawrence (Giants, No. 17).

"Has that incredible length," ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit said Friday. "With that size, he still has the speed to go along with it, running a 4.4 (40 time) and has great skills...A lot to like about this young man."

The south Florida prospect totaled 94 tackles, 4.5 for loss, with four interceptions and 12 pass breakups over 26 starts (41 games) in three seasons.

He picked up second-team All-American honors with 37 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception last season.

Mullen, who earned a defensive MVP honor in the national championship, went into Friday as one of the top-50 best on the board (43) per ESPN and No. 58 overall on NFL.com's top prospects.

Clemson set a school record for the most first-round selections (3) on Thursday and this is the first time the Tigers have had four picked in the top-50.

Ferrell and Mullen are one of a trio of selections from the national championship in January, which Mayock scouted in-person.

"I don't want to put too much emphasis on one game. You scout the whole season and every snap with guys like this," Mayock said, "but I came away...being on the field before the game was like, 'Wow.' I said to somebody that I would take five of these guys and go home right now, in all honesty and here we are and we've got three of them. It's exciting."

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