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New England Patriots: Top 10 Non-First Round Picks

By Jamie Gallagher

Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (right) with owner Robert Kraft before the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (right) with owner Robert Kraft before the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY NETWORK /

Number 9: Asante Samuel

2003 NFL Draft, Round 4 Pick 120

At number 9 on our list we have another member of the 2003 Patriots draft class, Mr. Asante Samuel.

The Patriots selected the Cornerback out of Central Florida in the 4th round with the 120th overall pick. Samuel would be the newest addition to a secondary that already included two first team all-pro’s in Ty Law and Rodney Harrison.

Asante had no problem fitting in.

In his 5 seasons in New England Asante Samuel tallied up 22 regular season interceptions to go along with his 5 postseason interceptions. In 2006 Samuel finished the season tied with Champ Bailey for the league lead in interceptions with 10, and one season later was selected to his first Pro Bowl team and named as a first team all-pro.

2007 ended up being Samuel’s last season in New England. He did however make 3 straight Pro Bowls as a member of the Eagles after leaving the Patriots, and finished his career with an impressive 58 interceptions.

Asante was able to fill the shoes of perhaps the best Patriots defensive back of all time in Ty Law. At least for a few seasons. His time in New England was short lived, but exciting nonetheless. He had a knack for making big plays in big games and for that we have him at number 9 on our list.

Next: 2008, Rd. 5 Pick 153

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