Father, Frank, was a Pro Bowl cornerback for the Cleveland Browns (1984-92). Chase prepped in Ohio before redshirting in 2007. Played all 12 games in ’08, starting two as an injury replacement for New England Patriots ’11 second-rounder Ras-I Dowling, and recorded 25 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions. Added 21 kickoff returns for 490 yards (23.3-yard average) and zero touchdowns. Tallied 28-2-2 with 22-513 (23.3) on kickoff returns and 20-88-0 (4.4) on punt returns in 12 games (one start) in ’09. Following the departure of Minnesota Vikings ’10 second-rounder Chris Cook, started all 12 games in ’10 and logged 48-4-6 with half a sack and 13-84-0 (6.5) on punt returns. Was hobbled by an ankle sprain the final four games of the season. In ’11, started the first 12 games at cornerback and posted 50-8-3 with seven tackles for loss, 1 1⁄2 sacks and a blocked kick. Missed the Chick-Fil-A Bowl with a knee injury, which required surgery to remove floating cartilage particles in January. Was medically excluded at the Combine because of bilateral ankles (swelling). 

Nice instincts. Transitions with little wasted movement. Does not hesitate to support the run and is a solid tackler. Solid ball skills. Elevates and competes in the air — can extend outside his frame and high-point interceptions. Cares about the game and works at his craft. Smart and versatile — played outside and over the slot. Solid character and work ethic. Has NFL bloodlines. 

Size is just adequate. Has a slender build and produced a 2012 Combine-low seven reps of 225 pounds in the bench press. Can be outmuscled by bigger, stronger receivers. Average athletic ability. Rises in his pedal. Loses at the line — needs to improve jam technique and struggles to reroute. Torched by quicker, faster receivers. Tends to clutch and grab. Average closing burst and recovery speed.

More physical than strong and more smooth than sudden, Minnifield is a narrow-framed, wiry, competitive, cover-2 cornerback with functional ball skills and tackling ability. Could be considerably overdrafted because of his last name and might struggle to find a role given his physical limitations.