In case you missed it, Tiki did a nice preview of the Virginia Cavaliers that either expect to or could be drafted this weekend. There are only two UVA players that are locks to be drafted, Chase Minnifield and Cam Johnson. Below is just a quick look at where those two players stand, and which teams could make a push for their services in this weekend's NFL Draft.
Chase Minnifield: Minnifield probably would be picked higher if it wasn't for his recent injury. He wasn't able to play in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, or fully participate in pre-draft workouts and activities. If he is picked in the 2nd or 3rd round, most teams that would take him won't be expecting him to jump right in and start for them his rookie year. Instead, Minnifield will contribute on special teams and play as a nickel back or 4th corner. Chase is a solid tackler, and has a very good football IQ. This would make him a good fit for a team that plays a lot of zone defense with complex schemes. A team like the Chicago Bears, that run a Cover 2 scheme, would be a great fit for Minnifield. Another intriguing option for Minnifield is the Washington Redskins. The Redskins have a pick high in the 3rd round, which could put them in a position to draft Minnifield if they choose to. Corner is one of several needs for the Redskins, and after addressing their need at Quarterback in the 1st round, they could turn to corner with their next pick, in the 3rd round.
Cam Johnson: One team you can scratch off the list for Johnson right away is Denver. Johnson has the same sickle-cell trait that kept Steelers safety Ryan Clark from playing in Pittsburgh's last two trips to Denver, so the Broncos will certainly pass. Other teams may consider it a red flag as well, because Johnson will need to be spelled at times during games. Johnson is one of those guys that could play either 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, so his options are pretty wide open. Personally, I think he'd be better off as a 4-3 defensive end, where his athleticism could cause problems for offensive tackles. So, what teams could look to add Cam Johnson as a pass rushing option? A couple of AFC teams, the Bengals and Titans, both need pass rushing help. Neither team generated a lot of sacks last year, and in the current NFL climate, getting pressure on the quarterback is imperative. A few other teams, including the Jets and Packers, could look at Johnson as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Both teams have needs for pass rushers at the position, and the athletic Johnson could prove a good bargain in the 3rd round or later.