Could Chase Minnifield join his teammate Ras-I Dowling on the Patriots next year?

University of Virginia star CB Chase Minnifield took time out of his training schedule and preparation for the NFL Draft to do a question and answer session with scout Mike Loyko. He touched on his college career, his father and what he is doing to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Chase Minnifield is one of the top 10 CBs available in this years draft. In his Senior year Chase recorded 50 total tackles, including 33 solo stops, 3 interceptions and 1 returned for a touchdown. Here is what Chase had to say.

What is your current height and weight? Target Height and Weight
Chase: 6’0″ 185 Lbs. This is my targeted height and weight as well.

Now that the season is over can you give us your thoughts on your overall performance and the outcome of your team’s season?
Chase:  I thought I played well and affected the outcome of games more than I did last year. Our team did a good job, we were able to get back to a bowl game, which was the big goal for me and my teammates coming into the season.

What aspect of your game did you improve most during the course of the season?
Chase: I was able to improve my physical strength the most this season

When did you know that the NFL was an achievable goal for yourself?
Chase: I have always believed that the NFL was possible. I have always thought with hard work and dedication that I would be able to make it there.

Can you talk about how having a father who played in the NFL has helped you develop as a football player?
Chase: My dad has tought me to be a student of the game. He says the NFL is a business and to approach it as such.

In your time at Virginia you have played for both Al Groh and Mike London. Can you talk briefly about both and how they have helped you become the player you are today?
Chase: Coach Groh recruited me so he saw my potential and he really believed in my skill set as a player. Coach London allowed me to play confidently and passionately. Both coaches have played a big role in making me the player and person I am today.

When you look back at your time at Virginia, what will you consider your “best” moment and what will you consider your lowest point?
Chase: When I look back the best moment will be when we became bowl eligible for the first time. The lowest is definitley missing out on a bowl game.

What type of system do you feel most comfortable in? Man or zone?
Chase: I like to play man to man the best. I definitely feel like I can play in both systems.

What type of coverages did you play at UVA and how complex did they get?
Chase: We played Cover 4 which plays like man, man to man, and a little cover 2. I’ve played in extremely complex defenses and more simplistic defenses I’ve been around the game long enough to be able to adapt to both.

What do you consider your best attribute as a CB and what do you consider your biggest weakness?
Chase: My best attribute is my understanding and knowledge of the game, I am a smart football player. I don’t think I have many weaknesses if had to pick one I would say I can always get stronger for when I player against the bigger WRs in the NFL.

Last year the Patriots drafted your teammate and fellow CB Ras-I Dowling in the second round. Could you talk about him as a CB, how do you compare and what kind of teammate and player he was at UVA?
Chase: Ras-I was a great pick for the Patriots. He is a great player with great ability. We both play the game with passion, energy and confidence. He was an amazing teammate at UVA and taught me a lot about the game and how to play CB.

What are your plans between now and the draft?
Chase: Right now I am working hard to be ready for the combine and my pro day and ultimately being ready for an NFL training camp.

What do you feel like you need to improve on the most in order to maximize your draft stock?
Chase: I think my tape should speak for itself but for a cornerback prospect running as fast as possible is what they really want to see so, that is why I am working on now.

What are your expectations for the draft?
Chase: My expectation is to go in the 1st round.

For people who aren’t familiar with you can you give us a brief scouting report of yourself?
Chase: I have good size and strength. I have a good understanding of the game can play both press and off man as well as zone coverage’s. I have good hands and I’m not afraid to make a play.

If you were an NFL GM why would you pick yourself over other draft eligible CBs?
Chase: I may not be the tallest, fastest or strongest player but I think when they look back at this class of corners I’ll be the best because of my work ethic and true love for the game.

Can you compare yourself to a current or former NFL player?
Chase: I have obviously been compared to my dad a lot. I think my style of physical pin your face play resembles his. But I can also play like a Charles Woodson with real smart and saavy play.

Who was the best WR you have ever faced while in college?
Chase: I played against some good ones but no one stands out because I feel I was always prepared and up for the challenge. But some names that were a decent challenge were Darius Heyward Bey, Hakeem Nicks and Demaryius Thomas.

If football doesn’t work out what would you like to do?
Chase: If the NFL doesn’t work out as a player I would like to go into coaching or get into sports anaylsis.

Who was your favorite player and teams growing up?
Chase: I loved the Browns because of my dad but I really enjoy watching many teams. I just love good football. My favorite favorite player were Frank Minnifield, Randy Moss and Emmitt Smith.

Can you give me your thoughts on the Patriots organization and how you might fit in there?
Chase: The Patriots are a top of the line organization. Their winning and tradition is 2nd to none.

Combine/Pro Day Predictions
Chase: Im not going to predict any numbers but I will say it’s going to be a good showing.

Any injuries you may have sustained in college You missed the senior bowl due to a “procedure”… anything serious?
Chase: I was experiencing minor knee pain, but I’m back running and feel fine now.

What are your hobbies off the field, what do you like to do when your not playing football?
Chase: Off the field I love to play video games and I like to play basketball.

I again want to thank Chase for taking the time to do this interview and want to wish him the best at the combine and throughout the draft process.

QB / RB / WR / TE / OT / OG / OC / DT / DE / OLB / ILB / CB / SS

Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Height: 5’9 1/4″
Weight: 183
Grade: 7.0H (Grading Scale)

Hands: 9 1/8″    Arms: 30 3/4″    Wingspan: 73 1/2″

Film Room Notes: vs Boise State, vs Tennessee, vs LSU

Strengths: Explosive athletic player who has returned kicks, carried and caught the ball during his time at Georgia – Could be a plus return specialist, finds holes in return coverage and weaves through them seamlessly – Extremely physical player down at the Senior Bowl who showed he can play press coverage as well as anyone in this draft class – Plays well in zone coverage as well reading the quarterback and reacting quickly with agility and athleticism – Played out of the slot a lot and rarely thrown on – Has legit 4.4 speed – Can turn and run smoothly and has second gear against faster WRs – Showed some ability blitzing out of the slot, gets off the line quickly and generates nice pressure.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t always take the best angle, especially in the running game – small in stature at 5’9 1/4” 183 lbs, but has long arms and wingspan – Doesn’t always attack in the running game – Can improve his tackling – Can come off the snap from the slot with lazy technique, stays too high – Footwork can be raw at times – Not a real ballhawk, but showed off good hands on offense – Suffered leg injury at Senior Bowl.

Last Updated: February 9th, 2012

QB / RB / WR / TE / OT / OG / OC / DT / DE / OLB / ILB / CB / SS

Cordy Glenn, OG/OT, Georgia

Height: 6’5 1/2″
Weight: 346
Grade: 7.3 (Grading Scale)

Hands: 10″    Arms: 35 1/8″    Wingspan: 84 5/8″

Film Room Notes: vs Boise State, vs Tennessee, vs LSU

Strengths: Simply overpowers at the line of scrimmage, can take his man and drive him back – Gets to the second level well, surprisingly fast for a man his size – Massive size at 6’5+ and 346 lbs. – Carries his weight extremely well – Has great wingspan and long arms –  Has no problem with bull rushers, simply encapsulates them – Gets out to the edge quickly against faster edge rushers – Can adjust well when he gets beat and still push his defender off from the play – Showed nice athleticism when asked to pull – Did a great job against some of the top pass rushers in the draft during the Senior Bowl going one on one against them during practice.

Weaknesses: Bends at the waist and his footwork and technique can suffer because of it – Can get beat by faster and quicker pass rushers in space – Doesn’t have a natural mean streak – Has trouble keeping his pad level low at times because of his technique – Played left tackle at Georgia, and can play right tackle, but would look better in more contained space with his hand on the ground.

Last Updated: February 9th, 2012

QB / RB / WR / TE / OT / OG / OC / DT / DE / OLB / ILB / CB / SS

Ben Jones, C, Georgia

Height: 6’2 5/8″
Weight: 304
Grade: 7.0 (Grading Scale)

Hands: 9 5/8″    Arms: 32 1/4″    Wingspan: 78 1/8″

Film Room Notes: vs Tennessee, vs LSU

Strengths: Makes great line calls before the play – Bends well at the knees, gets good leverage, did a nice job during Senior Bowl one on one drills standing up defenders – Good cut blocker – Not an exceptional athlete, but moves well on pull blocks – Keeps his pad level low in tight spaces – Drops back well pass blocking and always picks up the blitz up the middle – Captain his senior season and a four year starter at Georgia, natural leader.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t get overpowered, but also doesn’t overpower defenders – Loses technique when he gets to the second level – His pad level can get a bit high when he’s out in space – Doesn’t always hit his defender straight on while pulling and can miss at times.

Last Updated: February 9th, 2012

NEPD Editor: Doug Kyed

I took a look at some of each team’s biggest needs this offseason for both the 2012 NFL Draft and in free agency this spring.

There is no particular order for positions, they are not sorted by need.

Arizona Cardinals
Team Needs: LT, WR, T, ILB, CB, OLB
Biggest Needs: The Cardinals biggest need on offense is LT, Levi Brown has been one of the worst tackles in football for the last three years and the pressure he’s letting up isn’t doing the Cardinals QBs any favors. On defense, Arizona needs a lot of help at OLB.

Atlanta Falcons
Team Needs: LT, RG, TE, S, CB, DE
Biggest Needs: The Falcons are also in need of a LT, but without a first round pick, it’s going to be hard to find a starting caliber player. On defense, they still need a lot of help in their secondary.

Baltimore Ravens
Team Needs LT, WR, C, ILB, S
Biggest Needs: Bryant McKinnie isn’t the long term answer at LT for the Ravens, so we’re looking at yet another team with needs protecting the blind side. The Ravens next biggest need might be at safety.

Buffalo Bills
Team Needs: LT, TE, WR, QB, DT, DE, CB, PASS RUSH
Biggest Needs: The Bills have a lot of needs this offseason, but their biggest might be at LT and pass rush. According to pro football focus, the Bills were the 7th worst pass rushing team this season.

Carolina Panthers
Team Needs: RT, WR, CB, SS, FS, DT, SLB, WLB, PASS RUSH
Biggest Needs: The Panthers biggest needs are in their defense. They need another WR, but not as badly as they need help in their secondary and at DT.

Chicago Bears
Team Needs: LT, RG, WR, TE, RT, LG, S, PASS RUSH
Biggest Needs: It would probably just make sense for the Bears to take an offensive lineman with every pick in this year’s draft. WR is another big need for the protection and weapon-less Jay Cutler.

Cincinnati Bengals
Team Needs: LG, WR, RB, CB, S, DE
Biggest Needs: The Bengals are pretty lucky they have two first round picks this year. Their biggest needs are likely at CB and LG.

Cleveland Browns
Team Needs: WR, QB, RB, TE, LG, RG, RT, CB, OLB, DE, FS, PASS RUSH
Biggest Needs: The Browns are another team that are lucky to have two first round picks. It’s tough to pinpoint just two biggest needs for the Browns. QB and WR are probably the two that should be addressed first, though pass rush, RB and offensive line are also huge holes.

Dallas Cowboys
Team Needs: C, CB, ILB, FS, SS
Biggest Needs: The Cowboys biggest need is addressing their issues in the secondary. They don’t have any consistent players back there. It might make sense to go CB, S in the first two rounds.

Denver Broncos
Team Needs: WR, C, LG, RG, RB, MLB, CB, S, DT, PASS RUSH
Biggest Needs: WR and CB are probably the Broncos biggest needs, though for a team that just made the playoffs, they have a lot of holes to fill. They definitely need to address their struggling offensive line.

Detroit Lions
Team Needs: T, C, RB, FS, DE, WLB, CB, SS
Biggest Needs: The Lions biggest needs are at WLB and their secondary overall. There are some inconsistencies across the board they should be filling at CB and S.

Green Bay Packers
Team Needs: HB, T, SS, OLB, DE, CB, PASS RUSH
Biggest Needs: The league’s worst defense (according to total yards against) has some holes, especially in pass rush and safety. The Packers should be addressing defense, defense, defense.

Houston Texans
Team Needs: WR, G, NT, SS
Biggest Needs: The two big needs that really stick out for Houston is getting another solid WR opposite Andre Johnson, and getting a prototypical NT. If they can fill those two needs, watch out.

Indianapolis Colts
Team Needs: RT, RG, WR, QB, RB, DE, DT, SLB, WLB, CB
Biggest Needs: Assuming Peyton Manning is gone, QB is priority no. 1. There’s a long, long list for their second biggest priority. Since they’re moving to a 3-4, maybe OLB.

Could Brent Grimes be the missing piece in Free Agency for the Patriots?

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

On Tuesday, I took a look at the Patriots current free agents and who was likely and unlikely to return to the team.

Today I take a look at all the other free agents around the league and talk about who might interest the Patriots and why they would be a good fit.

Unrestricted Free Agency is one of the most anticipated and exciting days of the off season.

For Patriot fans, we will always look back on 2003 when they landed Rosevelt Colvin and Rodney Harrison and 2007 when they landed the top available free agent Adalius Thomas.

The Patriots don’t always make a splash in free agency, however, when Bill Belichick feels like the team is close he has been known to go out and get the “missing pieces”. You can’t get much closer than the Patriots did this season and I have a feeling Coach/GM Belichick will add a few quality pieces to the team this off season.

According to Omar Kelly of the Miami Sun-Sentinel the Patriots have $101,827,381 committed to the 2012 roster. With the the salary cap likely to be somewhere in the range of 121-125 million dollars the Patriots will have plenty of money to spend

When you take into account possible cuts (Ochocinco) even more money might be available. The Patriots have the ability to be major players this off season.

Offense

The Patriots offense has very few holes on it. The two positions where you can look at and suggest an upgrade be made is the receiver and center spot.

I don’t expect the Patriots to go out and spend a lot of money on a center. Both Dan Connolly and Dan Koppen are free agents and one of them will be re-signed, probably Connolly. I think they feel confident in one of those guys and also have other internal options. The Patriots could also draft a center, but they probably won’t do so too high in the draft.

That brings me to the receiver position. There is bound to be plenty of speculation (and already is) about what WRs the Patriots will go after. There is no denying that there are some very big names available and a few that could be intriguing to the Patriots.

Brandon Lloyd (StL)- The speculation surrounding Lloyd coming to the Patriots is already widespread due to his comments that he wants to go where Josh McDaniels goes. Will Lloyd be willing to take less to come to the Patriots? He already knows the offense, so having a repeat of the Chad Ochocinco fiasco won’t happen. Lloyd has had 147 catches the past two seasons, but is already 30 years old and the Patriots might want someone a little bit younger.

Vincent Jackson (SD)- Jackson is the big, tall, outside WR that many Patriots fans yearn for. There have been whispers in the past that the Patriots like Jackson and thus could make a run at him this off season. Jackson is going to cost a ton of money and still might not even hit the market if franchised.

Reggie Wayne (IND)- Wayne is 34 years old, but seems to fit the “Patriot Way”. He’s a team player who is reliable, has very good hands, runs crisp routes, and can stretch the field. Wayne is an intriguing possibility and in the short term he might be the best answer.

Pierre Garcon (IND)- Garcon is only 26 years old and is just scratching the surface of his talent. He has the potential to be one of the best WR in football playing in the right offense. The question with Garcon is his hands. He has dropped a lot of balls and that’s something that Tom Brady just won’t put up with.

Other WRs who may interest the Patriots:
Robert Meachem (NO), Mario Manningham (NYG), Early Doucet (Ari)

No other position on the offense has a “glaring” need however, if the Patriots allow BenJarvus Green-Ellis to walk, I could see the Patriots bringing in a veteran RB to guide the young RB stable that they will likely roll with next season. Someone like Ronnie Brown or Ryan Grant might be a good fit as a roll player and injury insurance.

The tight end position is stacked for years to come, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the team went after a Kyle Brady type TE to take some of the blocking responsibilities off of Rob Gronkowski to keep him fresh as the season goes on.

The offensive line has good depth and is fairly young, but a depth signing likely as well.

CLICK ON PAGE 2 FOR THE DEFENSIVE FA’S

QB / RB / WR / TE / OT / OG / OC / DT / DE / OLB / ILB / CB / SS

Name: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Height: 6’1″ 6/8
Weight: 212
Grade: 6.9 (Grading Scale)

Hands: 10 1/8″ Arms: 31 1/8″ Wingspan: 77″

Film Room Notes: Senior Bowl

Strengths: Ideal size for a Safety prospect – Smart, savvy and instinctual football player – Takes very good angles to the ball – Not fooled often, trust his eyes – Likes to come up and assist in run support and can play physical, but at the same time seems natural playing “centerfield” – Reads the QB very well and gets a great jump on pass routes – Not often in the wrong position – Solid fundamental tackler – Good ball skills, breaks up a lot of passes – Incredibly consistent production – Has the ability to play both safety spots – Smith is just an overall fundametally and instinctually sound player – Very coachable – Team Captain and exhibits a very solid work ethic.

Weaknesses: Not as fast or athletic as other DBs – Will not be able to turn and run with faster WR – Takes him longer to get going, relies heavily on his instincts – What safety position does he play in the pros?

Last Updated: February 8th, 2012

Can Michael Brocker's be the dynamic 3-4 DE that the Patriots have missed since Richard Seymour? (Photo: ICON SMI)

NEPD Editor: James Christensen

The Patriots were a few inches from gaining that precious fourth ring. It will take a good crop of youngsters in the 2012 NFL Draft to push them over the top in next year’s Super Bowl.

Here is our third version of what the Patriots might do come late April.

1st Round, Pick 17: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU (SCOUTING REPORT)

Many Patriots fans are shaking their heads right now. “Trade up? Are you crazy?”

Believe it or not, Bill Belichick has done it before and will do it again. He moved up for Chad Jackson, Daniel Graham, and Rob Gronkowski, all within the first 50 picks of the draft.

While only one of those players has had the impact that Belichick desired, I don’t see him shying away from grabbing a player that he feels can dynamically improve his team.

By sending the 31st and 48th (1020 points according to the trade value chart) to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 17th pick and a 5th round pick, the Patriots may be in position to draft a fantastic young 3-4 defensive end.

Michael Brockers, fresh off his own disappointing championship game defeat, is a prototypical five-technique end – which means he might not make it past pick 10, let alone pick 20. Measuring in at 6’6″ and over 305 pounds, with the frame to add a few more, the former LSU Tiger has the length and size to draw double teams and dominate his two gaps.

If he kicks inside in sub-packages, he has the power and first step to be a good pass-rusher as well. With a bit more polish, he could truly be the closest thing to Richard Seymour that we’ve seen in New England in a long time.

Three other potential trade-up targets are wide receivers. Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, and Kendall Wright might all be gone before we’re halfway through the 2012 NFL Draft. That said, if any of them start to slip – especially Blackmon or Wright – the Patriots might be tempted to grab an elite talent at a position that is aging rapidly.

However, if the speculated reunion of Brandon Lloyd and Josh McDaniels comes to fruition, receiver may once again become a secondary need for the Patriots front office.

Courtney Upshaw (DE/OLB, Alabama) and Quinton Coples (DE, North Carolina) are two other players that have certainly drawn interest from Patriots scouts this off-season, but I don’t see either of these elite prospects falling into the range where the Patriots can go and get them.

CLICK ON PAGE 2 FOR THE REST OF ROUNDS 1 AND 2

QB / RB / WR / TE / OT / OG / OC / DT / DE / OLB / ILB / CB / SS

Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
Height: 6’3 1/2″
Weight: 219
Grade: 6.9 (Grading Scale)

Hands: 9 1/2″    Arms: 30 5/8″    Wingspan: 76 1/2″

Film Room Notes: vs Iowa State

Strengths:
Good height and size for a QB – Experience in professional sports, former Minor League pitcher – Can make all the throws with zip and a tight spiral – Sneaky athleticism, can get out of the pocket and still make an accurate throw – Intelligent player – Good leader – Keeps his calm when he’s pressured – Gets the ball out quick – Steps into his throws – Goes through all of his progressions – Threw at a 72.3% completion clip his senior year – After some initial issues, looked comfortable under center at the Senior Bowl.

Weaknesses:
Going to be 28 years old when he takes his first pro snap – Has very little experience under center coming from a spread offense – Arm injury ended his pro baseball career – Can get lazy in play action and play fakes – Has a tendency to throw at a lower angle on screens and short throws.

Versatile safeties never go out of style. (Photo: ICON SMI)

NEPD Editor: James Christensen

Aaron Henry, safety and special-teams ace from Wisconsin was kind enough to answer a few of our questions after participating in the Shrine Game.

Aaron, thanks for taking the time to answer a few of our questions.
Yes sir, thank you.

You had quite a career at Wisconsin – what were some of your highlights in Madison?
Outside of graduating with a degree in consumer affairs and business. 1) My freshman year we played the Iowa Hawkeyes in Camp Randall at night and I had 3 sacks blitzing out of our nickel package. 2) Knocking off Ohio State in camp Randall when we they were #1 in the country. I will never forget that moment. Everyone in the stands ran on to the field after that one.

Were you happy with how you measured in during the Shrine Game week?
Yes sir, for the most part I was, I felt like I put together some really good practices and I was able to show my skills as a safety, corner and a return man!!!

What are your plans from now until draft time?
My plans are to train in Naples, Florida until I have my pro day back in Madison on March 7th. After Pro day I will stay in Madison until a few days before the draft.

Do you see yourself as more of a free safety, strong safety, or someone that can do a little bit of both?
To be completely honest with you I have no idea. In my career I played 2 years at corner and 2 at safety and prior to that I was a corner my whole life. So wherever the team I am on feels they need me is where I will play.

What sort of impact do you think you could have on special teams?
I think I can have a huge impact on special teams because that’s what I did in college, so it would not be anything new to me.

Is there a current NFL player that has a game similar to yours?
I would have to say Jim Leonard because he is a true student of the game and just like him I feel like I have the ability and mental capacity to run a defense and put myself in a position to go out and make plays.

If I’m an NFL GM, why do I want to pick Aaron Henry in the 2012 NFL Draft?
Well first and foremost I am not just a safety I am a football player who can play any position on the back end (Secondary) and I have the ability to return punts, so I think that makes me extremely versatile. I am also a student of the game and would be willing to play anything given the opportunity. At the end of the day I just want to play football no matter what position!

Aaron is currently a Top-10 safety in our 2012 NFL Draft Rankings.