2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Virginia CB Chase Minnifield a Solid Option After Top-Rated Corners are Drafted (Video)
Friday, January 20, 2012
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| VirginaSports.com |
CFB/NFL Writer
With the NFL being the pass-happy league that it is, the need for teams to have talented cornerbacks has never been greater. The 2012 NFL Draft should have several “shutdown” corners available at the top of the draft, with the class headed by Morris Claiborne of LSU and Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama.
With the NFL being the pass-happy league that it is, the need for teams to have talented cornerbacks has never been greater. The 2012 NFL Draft should have several “shutdown” corners available at the top of the draft, with the class headed by Morris Claiborne of LSU and Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama.
An intriguing name to keep an eye on is Virginia’s Chase Minnifield, a two-time first-team All-ACC honoree who projects as a late first or early second round selection. He is the No. 5 rated corner on both Walter Football and NFL Draft Scout.
Minnifield came into his own as a junior in 2010, recording six interceptions for the Cavaliers, second-most in the ACC and fifth-best in the nation. That total dropped to three this past season as teams began to avoid throwing in his direction.
Even at 6-0, 185 pounds, Minnifield has shown the ability to contribute in the tackling department as well, with 98 over the past two seasons, including 10 for a loss and two sacks.
Minnifield is fully capable of handling both zone and man coverage, a huge advantage when playing in the complex defenses of the NFL. His best fit would be to go to a team that already has a solid foundation in the secondary, where Minnifield wouldn’t be counted on to be a lockdown corner right away. Recent examples of this are Baltimore’s Jimmy Smith (No. 27 pick in 2011) and New England’s Devin McCourty (No. 27 pick in 2010).
Another skill set that Minnifield brings is experience as a return man, both on kicks and punts. However, his return opportunities became limited once Minnifield became Virginia’s No. 1 corner. He only had a combined 14 returns the past two seasons as opposed to 64 during his first two years.
For those who were NFL fans in the 1980s, the name Minnifield should ring a bell.
Minnifield’s father, Frank, was a four-time Pro Bowler during a nine-year career with the Cleveland Browns and was also named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. While genealogy doesn’t guarantee future success in the NFL, it’s always nice to know that there is a positive influence that can offer insight and help ease the younger Minnifield’s transition from college to the pros.
Chase sat out Virginia’s 42-24 loss to Auburn on Dec. 31, 2011, with a knee injury which he had surgery on Jan. 3. The injury and subsequent surgery don’t seem too serious, but it may cause Minnifield’s draft stock to fall slightly. Regardless, whatever team that ends up drafting him in April will reap the benefits of a sound, fundamental and professional-grade cornerback.
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More stories on the 2012 NFL Draft:
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: North Carolina DE Quinton Coples has the Athletic Ability to be a Star (Video)
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: South Carolina Gamecocks CB Stephon Gilmore Overshadowed by Bigger Names, Should Produce in NFL Quickly
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Alabama Crimson Tide RB Trent Richardson is as Rare a Talent at RB Since Adrian Peterson in 2007 (Video)
Minnifield came into his own as a junior in 2010, recording six interceptions for the Cavaliers, second-most in the ACC and fifth-best in the nation. That total dropped to three this past season as teams began to avoid throwing in his direction.
Even at 6-0, 185 pounds, Minnifield has shown the ability to contribute in the tackling department as well, with 98 over the past two seasons, including 10 for a loss and two sacks.
Minnifield is fully capable of handling both zone and man coverage, a huge advantage when playing in the complex defenses of the NFL. His best fit would be to go to a team that already has a solid foundation in the secondary, where Minnifield wouldn’t be counted on to be a lockdown corner right away. Recent examples of this are Baltimore’s Jimmy Smith (No. 27 pick in 2011) and New England’s Devin McCourty (No. 27 pick in 2010).
Another skill set that Minnifield brings is experience as a return man, both on kicks and punts. However, his return opportunities became limited once Minnifield became Virginia’s No. 1 corner. He only had a combined 14 returns the past two seasons as opposed to 64 during his first two years.
For those who were NFL fans in the 1980s, the name Minnifield should ring a bell.
Minnifield’s father, Frank, was a four-time Pro Bowler during a nine-year career with the Cleveland Browns and was also named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. While genealogy doesn’t guarantee future success in the NFL, it’s always nice to know that there is a positive influence that can offer insight and help ease the younger Minnifield’s transition from college to the pros.
Chase sat out Virginia’s 42-24 loss to Auburn on Dec. 31, 2011, with a knee injury which he had surgery on Jan. 3. The injury and subsequent surgery don’t seem too serious, but it may cause Minnifield’s draft stock to fall slightly. Regardless, whatever team that ends up drafting him in April will reap the benefits of a sound, fundamental and professional-grade cornerback.
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority & @TRob27
For more college football coverage follow @NFA_CFB
Don't forget to Like NFA on Facebook here.
More stories on the 2012 NFL Draft:
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: North Carolina DE Quinton Coples has the Athletic Ability to be a Star (Video)
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: South Carolina Gamecocks CB Stephon Gilmore Overshadowed by Bigger Names, Should Produce in NFL Quickly
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Alabama Crimson Tide RB Trent Richardson is as Rare a Talent at RB Since Adrian Peterson in 2007 (Video)
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