New England Patriots: 5 players Bill Belichick shouldn’t have drafted

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Ras-I Dowling #21 of the New England Patriots. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Ras-I Dowling #21 of the New England Patriots. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Ras-I Dowling

A cornerback from Virginia, Ras-I Dowling appeared in just 12 games in his NFL career after being drafted by the Patriots in 2011. The team traded special teamer Armanti Edwards and pick 89 to the Carolina Panthers for the pick they used to select Dowling.

The New England Patriots released Dowling before the start of the 2013 season and that was basically the end of his NFL career.

He would join the Raiders in 2014, but that stint would be short lived as well, and he would never see an NFL field again after that. Dowling bounced around a few practice squads but has not been in contact with any teams since 2016.

Noticing a pattern here? Please stop taking defensive backs in the second round, Bill. We are begging you. There are three of them on this list alone. Thankfully New England has done a much better job picking cornerbacks as of late.

5 notable players drafted after Ras-I Dowling (pick 33):

  • Jamaal Sheard (Defensive lineman, Cleveland Browns, pick 37)
  • Rodney Hudson (Center, Kansas City Chiefs, pick 55)
  • Torrey Smith (Wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens, pick 58)
  • Justin Houston (Edge rusher, Kansas City Chiefs, pick 70)
  • Jurrell Casey (Defensive lineman, Tennessee Titans, pick 77)