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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Asante Samuel (Central Florida) - 2003 NFL Draft Pick #120 by NE

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Asante Samuel (2003 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

  • Name: Asante Samuel
  • College: Central Florida
  • Position: Cornerback
  • Height: 5'10"
  • Weight: 185 lbs

Strengths:

  • Excellent ball skills, demonstrated by his ability to create turnovers.
  • Quick and agile, allowing him to stay with receivers and make plays on the ball.
  • Good instincts and awareness in coverage, often reading the quarterback's eyes.
  • Strong tackling ability for his size, showing willingness to support against the run.

Weaknesses:

  • Size may be a concern against larger receivers in the NFL.
  • Needs to improve physicality at the line of scrimmage.
  • Can be inconsistent in man-to-man coverage against bigger targets.

Overall Assessment:

Asante Samuel entered the 2003 NFL Draft with a reputation as a talented cornerback with the potential to be an impact player at the next level. His speed and agility made him a desirable prospect, particularly for teams looking for a playmaker in their secondary. Despite concerns over his size, Samuel's ability to read plays and make interceptions set him apart as a valuable addition to any defense.

Projected Draft Round: 2nd to 3rd Round