2012 POD Mock Draft: Minnesota Vikings Select Chase Minnifield

With the 35th pick of Pride of Detroit's 2012 NFL mock draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Virginia cornerback Chase Minnifield. Dave Marshall is serving as the Vikings' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

The Minnesota Vikings have the unenviable task of facing Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler twice per season each. The need for a solid secondary is essential. Frankly, Antoine Winfield is 35 years old, and Chris Cook has shown some abilities when he's on the field, but that seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

It is for these reasons that with the 35th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Chase Minnifield, a cornerback from the University of Virginia.

This Lexington, Kentucky, native has good speed (4.38 40) and a good size (6'0", 180 lbs.) for his position. But the things that set him apart are his tremendous vertical leap, a great nose for the ball, and his ability to provide the big hit when needed.

He had six interceptions in 2010, second in the ACC. In 12 games as a senior, he had 1.5 sacks, seven tackles for a loss, three interceptions and eight pass breakups. He is an experienced player, redshirting his freshman year and playing the other. He will be ready to start from day one and can be a solid special teams player if needed as well.

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Check out the 2012 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.

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