How Acquired: Drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL draft (120th overall).

Scouting Report:
Smaller DB who can cover well in zone or man coverage. Willing to make the big hit sacrificing his body against bigger players. Plays with strong sense of awareness of the ball. Occasionally gets beat in coverage by speed or size. Has been beaten on fade patterns, but willing to fight for the ball. Takes chances to make a play on the ball, has the speed to close well.

Pro Career: New England Patriots (2003-present)
(2006) had a career season in the final year of his rookie contract, netting 10 interceptions to tie the lead in the league.
(2005) Remains in a starting role, again as a leader among new faces and replacement players in the Patriots banged-up secondary.
(2004): Moved into the starting role at cornerback for 2004 once injuries felled Ty Law and Tyrone Poole. Managed to remain the starter in a unit devastated by injury. Missed time from a shoulder injury suffered during the St Louis Rams game when trying to knock out a tight end that outweighed him by 80 pounds. Lingering injury caused Samuel to miss more time. Managed another interception return for a TD.
(2003): Played mostly as a fifth defensive back his rookie season, starting for an injured Ty Law in October against the Dolphins. Notched two interceptions one for a touchdown.

College: Central Florida
As a defensive back he managed 127 tackles, 8 interceptions, 38 passes defensed, while adding 63 punt returns for 673 yards and 10 kickoff returns for 168 yards on special teams. All-Mid American Conference first-team selection as a senior. Made All-Independent first-team selection by Football News as a junior

Personal: Born Asante Samuel, the son of Jasper and Christine Samuel on Jan. 6, 1981. Played football, basketball and baseball at Boyd Anderson High (Lauderdale Lake, Florida) Played quarterback as a junior throwing for 1,800 yards. Earned All-Broward County honors from the Miami Herald. Managed 75 tackles and four interceptions as a senior and earned an invitation to the North-South Shrine Game. Samuel was a Business major Central Florida.