Tiawan Mullen 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Severely hampered by an ankle injury in 2021 that saw him play in just seven games with four starts

• Brother of NFL cornerback Trayvon Mullen
• Cousin of 2019 NFL MVP and Ravens starting quarterback Lamar Jackson

System: 

• 2022 projected role: Starting CB

Pros: The ball skills that Tiawan Mullen showcased upon his arrival in the Big Ten as a freshman is sure to catch anyone’s attention. Mullen logged 13 passes defended as a freshman and showcased strong ball skills in general despite his lack of influence at the catch point on account of his size. He’s a quick-footed defender who punches above his weight class as a tackler. His change of direction skills, loose hips, and foot speed all pair well for a defender who can match at the top of the route and play effectively in man coverage at the NFL level. His ability to shoot gaps and step forward is a nice added bonus and will help his resume and appeal to teams looking to get production from him out of the slot. He’s something of a forgotten asset after a lost 2021 season, but the review of his 2019 and 2020 games showcased an impact defender with plus instincts as a coverage player.

Cons: The size and stature here are difficult hurdles to navigate when looking for a lofty ceiling. Taiwan Mullen is an undersized corner who presumably has a glass ceiling placed over his draft assessment as a result. Many teams will immediately equate him to playing in the slot as a nickel corner—which I do think is his best projection as well—but the valuation of the position is likely to lead to a ceiling in the draft of late on day two, at best. Mullen will need to bounce back from his ankle injury last season as well—is he 100% and back to his quick-footed ways to mirror in high volumes of grass? He’s a scrappy player but his stature and size make it difficult for him to play with physicality and man-to-man teams will need to be calculated with the assignments he draws to protect him from getting outmatched at the catch point or thrown around in press coverage opportunities.

Tiawan Mullen NFL Draft Scouting Report by Kyle Crabbs