Chase Minnifield NFL Draft prospect notes

Our work is never finished here at Mocking the Draft as we are already looking to 2012.  The summer will feature a lot of prospect evaluations that we will build upon during the season.

Chase Minnifield
6'0, 185 pounds | Cornerback | Virginia

First word: There is a lot to like about Chase Minnifield. His former teammates, Ras-I Dowling and Chris Cook were both top 35 picks in the draft and Minnifield is better than both. As a junior, Minnifield was fourth nationally and second in the ACC with six interceptions.  He submitted paperwork to the NFL Draft advisory board following his junior season but decided to return for his senior campaign.

Minnifield's strength is in zone coverage where he can use his quickness and body control to make a play on the ball. For a corner who is only listed at 185 pounds, he plays with a lot of grit and power. To rise up draft boards, though, Minnifield will need to get better in man situations. His jam is suspect and he can be beaten over the top.

Bold prediction: Minnifield will be the best zone coverage cornerback among seniors in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Games viewed: (all 2010) USC, Florida State, North Carolina, Miami

Chase Minnifield
6'0, 185 pounds | Cornerback | Virginia

Notes:
• One of Minnifield's best assets is his body control and ability to adjust and make a play on the ball.

• Excels in zone situations where he can use his instincts and quickness. Shows a good amount of range when playing off his man.

• Will need to work to get better at man coverage.

• May not have the best quick-twitch movements and gets beaten on comeback routes by receivers who can plant and move quickly.

• Deep speed may be suspect. If Minnifield can't win at the line of scrimmage in man, he can be beaten over the top by fast receivers.

• Is a solid, willing tackler, though he doesn't have the most strength.

• Plays with a lot of hustle against the run. Takes good routes to the ball and has a lot of heart to make plays.

• Has been used at Virginia's punt return man.