The New England Patriots have taken their fair share of swings at improving their defensive backfield over the last decade and a half. Since the 2010 NFL Draft, they've taken 11 defensive backs on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
The group has combined for zero defensive Pro Bowls, though Marcus Jones has been a very successful return man and excellent selection (No. 85 in 2022).
Of the 11 defensive backs New England has taken since 2010, one of the more exciting prospects was Joejuan Williams. Selected in the second round from Vanderbilt in 2019, he came in at almost 6-foot-4 with SEC success, having allowed a 48% completion rate with four interceptions during his final season for the Commodores.
Williams played 552 snaps in New England, allowing a 59.5% completion rate and three touchdowns. His 85.1 PFF grade in Week 1 of the 2020 season saw him allow one catch for nine yards and play 27 snaps, primarily as a safety.
He'd play 25 over the next three weeks, and his New England career flamed out despite a promising flash at a new position.
He made stops with the Bears and Saints, and had two stints with the Vikings, but his career would end unceremoniously with his retirement in May 2026. He last saw action in Week 18 of the 2023-2024 season. Now, however, it appears he's ready to start a new journey.
Joejuan Williams is set to begin his coaching career with the Commanders
With his playing career over, Williams has moved on to coaching. He recently joined the Commanders under the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, per his Instagram. The fellowship has the goal of increasing the number of minority coaches in the NFL.
Along with Williams, the Commanders announced that three other coaches will join the team under the fellowship.
Williams joins a list of former Patriots players coaching in the NFL. Jerod Mayo was notably the head coach of the Patriots in 2024, while Dont'a Hightower was on the staff as the inside linebackers coach. New England moved on to another former Patriot in 2025, as Mike Vrabel became the head coach after spending six seasons with the Titans.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell was a third-round pick by New England in 2008, while Wes Welker has coached for four different organizations and is now with the Commanders as an offensive assistant. Even Mike Kafka, who was the Giants' offensive coordinator and turned interim head coach last season, spent the 2013 spring with the Patriots after a playing career at Northwestern.
Now, Williams will look to join the ranks of NFL coaches like the former Patriots before him.
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