3 Las Vegas Raiders to keep an eye on in 2021 Week 3

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr warms takes the field before playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr warms takes the field before playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against cornerback Trayvon Mullen Jr. #27 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter of the game at Heinz Field on September 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against cornerback Trayvon Mullen Jr. #27 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter of the game at Heinz Field on September 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

3 Las Vegas Raiders to keep an eye on in 2021 Week 3

Trayvon Mullen, Cornerback

The best cornerback for the Raiders this season has not been Trayvon Mullen, it has been newly signed veteran Casey Hayward. However, we are seeing a huge developing star in Mullen, as his interception versus the Steelers in Week 2 was a sign of this.

Mullen has some ground to makeup for in his coverage, but with the new system implemented by defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, this secondary is showing it might be a strength for the Raiders. The young corner is getting better each week, and with Hayward in his ear and providing strong play by example, Mullen is learning and achieving better play each game.

It is early in the season, but Mullen should show even stronger play versus a Dolphins team that has much weaker receivers than the Steelers, or Ravens for that matter.

For the Raiders to do what they want to do on defense, Mullen needs to continue to grow as a player, and Hayward has been a perfect fit to help him achieve that. Gus Bradley is a mastermind when it comes to the secondary, and on Sunday, expect another big game from No. 27.

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