Washington Redskins 2014 Player Profile: Chase Minnifield, Corner Back

Chase Minnifield

Corner Back

University of Virginia

Undrafted Free-Agent

Twitter: @ChaseMinnifield

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 185 lbs

College Stats:

Tackles: 151

Solo: 109

Assisted: 42

Sacks: 2.0

Interceptions: 13

Touchdowns: 1

2014 Outlook:

Chase Minnifield is an interesting prospect for the Redskins. Despite being projected as a mid to late 2nd round prospect, Minnifield went undrafted going on to sign with the Redskins on May 3^rd, 2012. Knee injuries were the main reason for Minnifield’s fall out of the draft, and they have been the main reason for his lack of impact for Washington. Now two years removed from his second knee surgery much like Washington’s quarterback Minnifield should be 100% healthy for the first time since undergoing knee surgery.

Minnifield is a physical corner with average size at 5’10" 185 pounds. Minnifield is aggressive at the line of scrimmage and plays the position with a mean streak. Minnifield has had a history of practice scuffles with teammates because his physical play can rub offensive players the wrong way, which is exactly what you like to see if you're a defensive coordinator. Minnifield isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the run game either, he attacks the ball carrier with a purpose and has never shied away from contact.

Roster Prediction: Makes Roster

This may be a bold prediction, but in my opinion Chase Minnifield can and will make the Redskins roster in 2014. David Amerson and DeAngelo Hall will hold the starting positions, however, beyond that the depth chart is very open. New rookie Bashaud Breeland is an exciting, but raw, prospect that likely won’t make a huge impact his rookie year, Richard Crawford is coming off major knee surgery, Tracy Porter is also recovering from injury and has never been the most consistent, and E.J. Biggers is a versatile player but an average one at best. Now that Minnifield is fully healthy he has the opportunity to show that he deserved to be drafted in 2012 and finally make the impact the Redskins hoped he would when they signed him in 2012. Minnifield's physical style of play could make him a solid slot corner for the Redskins. However, Minnifield will have to show ability on special teams to make the roster, and I have a hunch based off his physical style that Minnifield would have no problem being a gunner on special teams. Minnifield will be a fun prospect to watch during training camp and pre-season, with a new head coach in town, Minnifield will likely be playing for his job.

Minnifield's passion is on display in the opening of this highlight video, in which he is giving an intense pre-game speech to his Virginia teammates.