Everyone forgets that Arian Foster was a lock as a first or second round pick after his junior season at Tennessee. Phil Fulmer convinced him to return to school for his final season, and then completely screwed Tennessees backfield. Fulmer killed Fosters draft stock.

Out off the NFLs Top 15 leading rushers last season... 8 were first round picks. Three were second-round picks (McCoy, Rice and MJD). Two were third-round picks (Shonn Greene and Frank Gore). Then you have Michael Turner and Foster. Gore and Foster were both considered high-round talents at one time, but saw their stock plummet for one reason or another.

So, out of the top 15 rushers last season, only one, Michael Turner, was a little regarded draft pick from his draft class.

Take Richardson at 4. Nuff said.

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Disappointing performance by Minnifield the story at Virginia Pro Day

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

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Representatives of all 32 NFL teams were on hand to see 17 former Cavalier football players work out Thursday at Virginia's Pro Day.

Pass rusher Cam Johnson enjoyed a strong workout and was asked to do drills as a linebacker and defensive lineman, according to a league source on the scene. The 6-3, 268 pounder elected not to run the 40-yard dash again after timing between 4.75-4.82 at the Combine. He did however, participate in the sixty yard shuttle and also elected to do the vertical and broad jumps again. Johnson was actually a half inch shorter Thursday in the vertical than he was in Indianapolis (35") but made a significant improvement in his broad jump, going from 8'09" at the Combine to 9'07" Thursday. Johnson also participated in the bench press after not doing this at the Combine due to a pectoral strain. He lifted the bar 16 times Tuesday.

According to the source, Johnson showed good overall athleticism in linebacker and defensive line drills, reinforcing the notion that teams operating out of a 3-4 defense will certainly be keeping tabs on the former UVA standout. Johnson is currently NFLDraftScout.com's No. 10 defensive end prospect for 2012. His versatility and experience having played both end in current head coach Mike London's 4-3 alignment as well as rush linebacker in former head coach Al Groh's 3-4 scheme is intriguing.

"I believe I have versatility and I think teams are looking for," Johnson told the official UVA athletic website following his workout. "I can play in space or with my hand in the dirt as well."

The news, unfortunately, wasn't so good for defensive back Chase Minnifield, who wasn't able to perform at the Combine (or the Chick-fil-A Bowl, for that matter) after recovering from post-season ankle surgery.

The 5'10, 183 pound Minnifield was clocked in the mid 4.6s in the 40-yard dash and complained about tightness in his hamstring.

According to the source, Minnifield did not participate in the shuttles or push himself in later drills. "It was not a good day for him," the source said.

The slow time by Minnifield in the 40-yard dash was not entirely unexpected, though scouts had hoped he'd do well. Some believe the 2011 All-American who leaves Virginia with 13 career interceptions might be better served moving to free safety in the NFL rather than remaining at the position he starred at throughout his collegiate career and the one his father -- Frank Minnifield -- played during a standout career with the Cleveland Browns.

Minnifield (Chase, not Frank) is currently ranked as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 11 cornerback for the 2012 draft. That ranking and/or the position in which he's rated could change following this disappointing performance.

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I guess he had a bad day at his pro day...

It did say in the article that he might be better served as a FS in the NFL... There's always lemonaid!

INDIANAPOLIS: University of Virginia cornerback Chase Minnifield has his father’s facial features, his mannerisms and his penchant for studying receivers on his laptop.

But Minnifield’s goal is to be better than his father, Frank, a four-time Pro Bowler who played the same position for the Browns from 1984 to 1992.

“It pushes me every day,” Chase Minnifield said Sunday at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. “Everybody tells me I won’t be, so it’s good fuel.”

Measuring 5-foot-10› and 183 pounds, Minnifield is ranked as the 54th best player by NFLDraftScout.com, but a fourth- or fifth-round pick by Pro Football Weekly.

He wouldn’t mind finding himself in Cleveland trying to surpass his father’s success in the league.

“That would be an awesome situation,” he said. “I wouldn’t be trying to carry on what my father [did]. I’d try to make my own thing.

“My goal is to do more than what my dad did. He never got to the Super Bowl with the Browns, so that would be something I would try to do.”

Chase knows it would be tough to surpass his father’s hero status with Browns fans.

“My dad is a rock star in Cleveland. And it’s real,” he said.

It’s real right down to Frank Minnifield’s muscular calves.

“Everybody from Cleveland always checks my calves. I guess they’re kind of legendary,” Chase said.

Frank Minnifield teamed with Hanford Dixon to form the Browns’ “Corner Brothers,” immortalized on a poster of “Top Dawg” and “Mighty Minnie.” Chase said there are still several of those around the house in Lexington, Ky.

“I’m not tired of hearing it. That’s what I grew up in,” Chase said. “My dad barks every time he comes to Cleveland, so it’s not nothing new.”

If he needs a second opinion about technical aspects of his game, Chase sometimes calls Dixon. But when asked who was a better player, Chase said, “My dad. He’d kill me if I said something different.”

Chase is inspired by his father, who started his post-football life in real estate but is now focused on Toyota manufacturing. Last year he was elected chairman of the board of his alma mater, the University of Louisville.

“My dad is what I would call a true rags-to-riches story,” Chase said. “From what he’s doing now from where he came from, he’s a true inspiration. Nothing was given to him.”

@slimdawg said:

Im seriously not trying to dog Chase here, i like the kid. The way you annoint him as a lockdown corner just makes me scratch my head. If hes such a lockdown C.B. why is it hes Projected to go to us in the 4th at pick 101? Walter has him as only the 9th best C.B.

I really wasnt tryin to get into a back in forth deal with you homie, just couldnt help but notice that in most of your posts it seems like hes a must have for us.

I know a lot of people have something to say about Chase not being his father or whatever but I'm on the other side of the fence in that I believe that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Frank Minnifield and Hanford Dixon were great... but that was before my time, I'd like to see it for myself with Minnifield and Haden reinvigorating the DawgPound. I found this on Frank Minnifield's Wiki:

Frank Minnifield (born January 1, 1960, Lexington, Kentucky) is a former American football player who played defensive back for the Cleveland Browns from 1984-92.

Minnifield attended Henry Clay High School in Lexington. Considered too small for college football at just 5'9" and 140 pounds, he walked on to the football team at the University of Louisville, earning a scholarship spot for his final three years. As a junior in 1981, he led the nation in average yards per kickoff return (30.4) and led his team in punt returns.

After graduation in 1982, Minnifield joined the Chicago Blitz (later the Arizona Wranglers) of the USFL. He successfully sued the Wranglers for the right to move to the NFL, and signed as a free agent with the Browns in 1984. Minnifield became a fixture at cornerback for Cleveland and was named to the Pro Bowl four straight years from 1986-89. Known for his aggressive bump-and-run coverage and hard hitting style, he was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team as selected by voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Perhaps more importantly to Cleveland fans, he and fellow cornerback Hanford Dixon originated and named the Dawg Pound cheering section at Cleveland Stadium.

Upon retirement, Minnifield founded Minnifield All-Pro Homes, a homebuilding company in Lexington. In 1993, he became the first African American executive named to the Lexington Chamber of Commerce Board, and as of 2000, he was the only African American home builder in Lexington.

Minnifield's son Chase is a junior cornerback for the University of Virginia Cavaliers. Frank Minnifield was elected Chairman of the University of Louisville Trustees on September the 15th 2011

--------------------------------------------

I know that Chase is smaller but some believe that he's going to be every bit as good if not better than his dad was, I happen to be in that group. With Haden, Minnifield, Skrine and Patterson I believe that we'd have a Great Young Secondary. He's only gonna cost us a third but the fact that his potential is so high and that his dad started the DawgPound... to me it's worth a shot in the third round. The DawgPound would go crazy over this pick... or at least they should. It's clearly not the same as it was before the move but the DP has given so much I think that the Browns FO need to give back and take Chase for us. JMHO.

@slimdawg said:

Im seriously not trying to dog Chase here, i like the kid. The way you annoint him as a lockdown corner just makes me scratch my head. If hes such a lockdown C.B. why is it hes Projected to go to us in the 4th at pick 101? Walter has him as only the 9th best C.B.

I really wasnt tryin to get into a back in forth deal with you homie, just couldnt help but notice that in most of your posts it seems like hes a must have for us.

whoa whoa whoa there bro....

i wouldn't bring in facts...theyre irrelevant to PG's wet dreams. chase will be a HOFer because his pappy was good....

much the same way TR can take an entire team on his back straight to the superbowl.

im not actually sure which football this kid watches....lol

I really wasnt tryin to get into a back in forth deal with you homie, just couldnt help but notice that in most of your posts it seems like hes a must have for us.

LB- Tank carder, Mychal kendricks

WR- Marvin Mcnutt, Chris Givens 4.41 40 time

QB- Brandon Weeden, would be nice to reunite him with Blackmon

RB- Lemicheal james, 4.37 40 time, career 6.6 ypc

Oh and i wouldnt mind picking up Chase Minnifield either.

Who would you like to take in the third if not Chase?

@poeticg said:

Walter Football has Chase going in the low 80s to the Titan... Oh, but I'm sure you love to watch Brown fall down on Man Coverage every other play, right?

What gives you that impression? I havent said anything about Brown. IMO I personally think patterson is going to have a breakout year.

@poeticg said:

QB-Colt McCoy/Seneca Wallace

RB-Trent Richardson/Hardesty/Jackson

FB-Marecic/Williams

TE-Watson/Moore/Cameron/Smith

WR-Hill/Little/McNutt/Momass/Cribbs

LT-Thomas

LG-Pinkston

C-Mack

RG-Lavaman

RT-?

DE-Curry

DT-Rubin

DT-Taylor

DE-Sheard

OLB-Gocong

ILB-Jackson

OLB-Burfict

CB-Haden

CB-Minnifield

CB-Skrine/Patterson

SS-Brown/Hagg/Young

FS-Ward

P-Hodges

K-Dawson

Backup Waterboy-Goolie

Dude you seriously have a mega sized mancrush on minnifield dont ya?

RB-Trent Richardson/Hardesty/Jackson

FB-Marecic/Williams

TE-Watson/Moore/Cameron/Smith

WR-Hill/Little/McNutt/Momass/Cribbs

LT-Thomas

LG-Pinkston

C-Mack

RG-Lavaman

RT-?

DE-Curry

DT-Rubin

DT-Taylor

DE-Sheard

OLB-Gocong

ILB-Jackson

OLB-Burfict

CB-Haden

CB-Minnifield

CB-Skrine/Patterson

SS-Brown/Hagg/Young

FS-Ward

P-Hodges

K-Dawson

Backup Waterboy-Goolie

#04-Trent Richardson

#22-Stephen Hill/Kendall Wright

Round 2

#37-Vinny Curry/Kevin Zeitler

Round 3

#68-Chase Minnifield

Round 4

#100-Vontaze Burfict

#118-Marvin McNutt/Russel Wilson

This^^^!

I think he will be WAY BETTER than Mark Ingram was last year. Check out this article and videos and tell me what you think - http://rosterwatch.com/?p=2356

@tour2ma said:

'Skins boards I have peeked at seem about as divided as we are over pursuing RG. The twist they add is conversation about active players to include in the trade package. Which board are you active in K-91?

I'm on ExtremeSkins. By far, it's the best Skins board around. I have a different handle though over there.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/chase-minnifield?id=2532913

While I understand the bloodline desires, I'm not feeling Chase at all. He ain't his Daddy. If he were a Mathews, he'd be Casey, not Clay III.

This draft is seriously thin at DB. Only Claiborne, Kirkpatrick and maybe Jenkins are step in and start CB's. We need either one of them (I like Dre best) or we need a FA.

As for Richardson... no. I like the talent, but the durability question looms to large for my taste. IMO Doug Martin has Ray Rice-like potential that would make us forget Hillis.

@nw220 said:

Minnfield may have the chance of slipping into the 4th due to his 5'10 height at the combine and also he didnt run..I think regardless he is gonna be a good CB.

Didn't know that- VT had him listed at 6'0" that's a big difference for a CB. Did he do a vertical or long jump? He'd better run at least a 4.5 on his Pro day to get serious consideration on day two.

Two years ago I knew I wanted Eric Berry or Suh... didn't get either...

Last year I KNEW I wanted Patrick Peterson or A.J. Green... same story...

This year I just cannot decide on who or what we should do...

I've heard multiple times that Justin Blackmon is a number 1 legitimate WR- we need that...

I've heard Morris Claiborn is the best pure cover corner in a long time- we need that...

I've heard Trent Richardson is the best RB prospect since AP- and if Hillis goes secret agent- we need that...

I've heard 1.4 million times that RG3 is gonna be an excellent QB at the next level- but I'm not not sure we don't already have that in Colt McCoy.

So I'm going to change my tune a little bit and state that we need to do this...

#4- Take Justin Blackmon to pair up with Greg Little and we'll have a potent #1 and #2 @ WR and more than serviceable slot receivers in Cribbs and Norwood- add Momass or Mitchell(post finger incident) and we've got a WR Group capable of being effective for Colt to get the pass going.

#22- This is where it gets tricky- Do we go best OT available and help protect Colt so he has time to find the open WRs that we'll have flying around? OR- do we find a way to trade back down and pick up Trent Richardson? I think that would give our offense a major jolt- adding Blackmon AND Richardson to our offense would increase our point production by 17 a game at least, I'm giving Trent a score on the ground and Blackmon one through the air... with increase offensive firepower and the ability to stay on the field and keep our D fresh I'm giving the D an extra turnover with good field position that translates to at minimum a FG.

-Second Round-

I'm thinking we have to take someone here that makes the Offense make a tough decision on who to throw against on our D. It's a given that whoever is opposite Haden is gonna get picked on, so I'm campaigning for Chase Minnifield in this spot. A one/two CB Duo that would reignite the DawgPound of yesteryear and give our secondary a boost. Move Sheldon back to Free Safety to team up with T.J. Ward and put Patterson and Skrine in the nickel and dime packages and we've got ourselves a lockdown secondary.

*** This is as far as I'm willing to look as of right now because of the proposed trade down to pick up Trent Richardson I'm unsure what we'll have left and who might still be available. Just looking at what we could have in these three players though is enough to get me excited about the direction that our franchise is headed in...

1- Blackmon

2- Richardson

3- Minnifield

- Get it done -