Scouting Report: Chase Minnifield, CB University of Virginia
By Editorial Staff
This is our Chase Minnifield scouting report. for all of our other scouting reports go to our scouting report page
Measurables
5’10” 183 pounds
DNP in 40 yard dash, 31 1/2″ arms, 9″ hands, 7 bench press reps
Pros (+)
1) Size and Athleticism – Minnifield has good size at 6’0, 185 llbs which allows him to go up against any size receiver. He should test out of the combine with excellent numbers especially in the 40 yard dash and vertical. Look up his youtube videos and you’ll find a very impressive dunk and also a video of him clearing 5’8 with ease. He even can serve as a valuable return man at the next level. He can turn his hips as well as anyone while keeping up with his receiver.
2) Blood Lines- Chase Minnifield is the son of Frank Minnifield who played cornerback for the Browns during the late 80’s. He was named Pro-Bowl four times and was known for his hard hitting style and aggressive play. Chase has obviously gotten some tips from his father and will know how hard to work once he reaches the next level.
3) Zone Coverage – Minnifield is the best zone coverage corner in this year’s draft. He has great instincts and plays very naturally in the cover 2.
4) Ball Hawk- Minnifield finished his junior year with 6 interceptions playing across from future NFL CB Ras-I-Dowling. This year, Minnifield only has 2 interceptions to date but teams are also reluctant to pass to his side of the field. He has great ball skills combined with his athleticism which allows him to be able to go up and get any ball in his vicinity.
5) Hard Hitter – Minnifield may not seem like he has the size to knock people out but there is a plethora of tape to prove otherwise. The best part of it is that he lays his hits completely clean and doesn’t need to spear or go head first to make a big hit. His play style can add a nasty attitude to any defense which is always fun.
Cons (-)
1) Man coverage – Minnifield needs work on his decision making in 1 on 1 situations to become a true shutdown corner. Virginia runs a zone coverage scheme so it’s hard to see how big of a weakness this is.
2) Tackling – Being a hard hitter is great at some moments, but other moments you can just get tossed aside. This doesn’t seem to be a huge issue for Minnifield but I would like it if he could wrap up his tackles instead of using his shoulder. Especially when he goes up against the likes of Adrian Petersons and Calvin Johnsons of the NFL.
In my opinion, Minnifield may become the most underrated prospect in the draft despite still being projected in the late 1st and early 2nd round. He plays for a very average team, University of Virginia, and has literally been avoided this senior year. Even with such a deep corner class this year, I would not be surprised if Minnifield becomes the best. He is the best all-around cornerback in this draft and has the right character and IQ to take advantage of his immense potential.
As for a comparison, Minnifield seems like he could become the next Asante Samuel. Samuel is currently the best zone cover corner in the NFL right now which is also what Minnifield excels in. If Minnifield goes to the right team/scheme, I can see him making an immediate impact as a day 1 starter.