Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Mock Draft: All defense in opening rounds

Round 1: Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson

*Written by Donnie Druin*

Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert has selected a defensive player in the last 7/8 drafts, and I expect this trend to continue. The Steelers secondary problems have been of great issue for the past few years, even with recent first round picks Artie Burns and Terrell Edmunds in the defensive backfield.

Yet fear no longer, Steelers fans, as Trayvon Mullen could be the elixir for Pittsburgh’s problems. Mullen finds himself among the best cornerback prospects entering the 2019 NFL Draft class thanks to his size (6’2”, 190 lbs) and ball skills.

It’s easy for Clemson defensive backs to get lost in draft conversation due to the Tigers’ phenomenal defensive front, yet Mullen has added his name among the best in the class. With big names such as Greedy Williams and Byron Murphy likely to be gone by time the Steelers make their selection, Mullen could be considered the best corner remaining.

Joe Haden is getting no younger, and no other Pittsburgh defensive back (besides Mike Hilton, who primarily plays inside) has proven their worth. Mullen provides a big body in a Steelers secondary that has a history of being bullied by big receivers. If his phenomenal ball skills can translate to the professional level, the Steelers might have found themselves another Ike Taylor-type player in coverage.