The 2012 NFL Draft will be here sooner than you know it, and Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Chase Minniefield could be one of those players who sneaks up and will be drafted higher than most expect. The Senior corner is currently rated as the fifth best corner by Mocking The Draft. Here's what Dan Kadar had to say about Minniefield prior to his senior season:
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.
For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation's Mocking The Draft.