Outback Bowl Indiana vs. Ole Miss: Top NFL Draft prospects to watch
By Evan Orris
Tiawan Mullen, DB, Indiana
Tiawan Mullen is only a sophomore but definitely deserves to be on this list. The NFL is in his blood as his brother, Trayvon Mullen, is the starting cornerback for the Las Vegas Raiders. Tiawan should figure to follow in his footsteps.
Mullen showed flashes in limited playing time as a true freshman but has really taken a leap as the starting cornerback for the Hoosiers. He has already cemented himself into the Hoosiers history books. Mullen became the first cornerback from IU to make the first-team All-American team.
Mullen has the physicality, ball skills and of course swagger that all the top cornerbacks in the league have. Mullen recorded three interceptions and four pass deflections this season. The number of pass deflections has actually decreased as he had 13 in his freshman season. The only reason for the decrease in production is that opposing quarterbacks are afraid to throw it to him. Mullen has been on an island all season and consistently takes care of business.
Mullen, like all of IU’s secondary, is not afraid to get his nose dirty in the run game. With 23 tackles and 4.5 tackles for losses, Mullen is able to shed his blockers and run down running backs. The Hoosiers also love to use Mullen on nickel blitzes and he has sacked the quarterback 3.5 times, including a monster hit and forced fumble against Wisconsin.