Patriots two-time Super Bowl champ makes top-five millennium list
The list is comprised of players who gave their team the most value based on where they were selected in their respective draft classes. Samuel was a fourth-round pick with the 120th overall selection in the 2003 NFL draft. He was ranked at No. 5 on the NFL.com list.
Edholm wrote:
"I did hesitate to add Samuel due to the fact that a large chunk of his career production happened outside of New England. The Patriots let him walk as a free agent, receiving only a compensatory pick in return. (That selection was used on the forgettable Tyrone McKenzie, who never played a game for the Pats.) But in the end, Samuel was an invaluable piece for a New England team that won two Super Bowls and played in 14 playoff games during his five seasons in Foxborough."
Samuel had 51 career interceptions and made four straight Pro Bowls through an 11-year career in the NFL. He was also known as an elite playoff performer with seven postseason interceptions and four touchdowns.
His exceptional NFL career landed him a spot on New England's All-2000s and All-Dynasty teams. Both are worthy accolades for one of the most successful defensive backs in franchise history.
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