Rasul Douglas (born August 29, 1994) is an American professional football cornerback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at West Virginia, and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers.

Rasul Douglas
refer to caption
Douglas with the Packers in 2021
No. 31 – Buffalo Bills
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1994-08-29) August 29, 1994 (age 30)
East Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:209 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:East Orange Campus (East Orange, New Jersey)
College:
NFL draft:2017 / round: 3 / pick: 99
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 6, 2024
Total tackles:410
Sacks:2.0
Forced fumbles:3
Fumble recoveries:3
Pass deflections:76
Interceptions:19
Defensive touchdowns:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

College career

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Douglas started his college career at Nassau Community College.[1][2] After redshirting in 2012, he recorded 83 tackles and five interceptions over the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In 2015, he transferred to West Virginia University.[3] During his first season at West Virginia, he appeared in 11 games and recorded seven tackles and an interception. As a senior in 2016, Douglas was named first-team All-Big 12 Conference after he tied for the nation lead with eight interceptions.[4][5][6] He also had 70 tackles and a sack.

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Coming out of West Virginia, Douglas was projected to be a third to fifth round pick from the majority of NFL draft experts and analysts. He received an invitation to the NFL combine and completed all of the required combine and positional drills. On March 31, 2017, Douglas participated at West Virginia's pro day and opted to run the 40, 20, and 10-yard dash once again while also performing positional drills. Team representatives and scouts from all 32 NFL teams attended to scout Douglas, K. J. Dillon, Shelton Gibson, Tyler Orlosky, and 14 other prospects.[7] He was ranked the 19th best cornerback prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+58 in
(1.87 m)
209 lb
(95 kg)
32+38 in
(0.82 m)
9+14 in
(0.23 m)
4.59 s 1.57 s 2.64 s 4.26 s 6.97 s 33.5 in
(0.85 m)
10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)
16 reps
All values from NFL Combine[8][9][10]

Philadelphia Eagles

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Douglas with the Eagles in 2019

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Douglas in the third round (99th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.[11] He was the 17th cornerback selected in the draft and the second cornerback taken by the Eagles after they selected Sidney Jones in the second round (42nd overall).[12]

He competed with Patrick Robinson, Jalen Mills, Ron Brooks, Ronald Darby, Jaylen Watkins, Aaron Grymes, and Jones throughout training camp for the starting cornerback position.[13] Head coach Doug Pederson named him the fourth cornerback on the Eagles' depth chart to start the regular season, behind Darby, Mills, and Robinson.

Douglas was inactive for the Eagles' season-opening 30–17 victory over the Washington Redskins. During the second quarter, starting cornerback Darby dislocated his ankle, sidelining him for 4–6 weeks. On September 17, 2017, Douglas made his professional regular season debut against the Kansas City Chiefs and finished with four solo tackles and a pass deflection in the 27–20 loss.[14] The following week, he earned his first career start in place of Darby and recorded four combined tackles, defended a pass, and made his first career interception after picking off a pass from New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning during the 27–24 victory.[15] Douglas finished his rookie season with 25 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 11 passes defended.[16] The Eagles went on to win Super Bowl LII 41–33 against the New England Patriots.[17]

On September 5, 2020, Douglas was waived during final roster cuts.[18]

Carolina Panthers

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On September 6, 2020, Douglas was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers.[19] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on October 23,[20] and activated on November 2.[21]

Las Vegas Raiders

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Douglas signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on April 19, 2021.[22] He was released on August 23, 2021.[23]

Houston Texans

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On August 25, 2021, Douglas was signed by the Houston Texans. He was released on August 31, 2021.[24]

Arizona Cardinals

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On September 3, 2021, Douglas was signed to the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals.[25]

Green Bay Packers

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The Green Bay Packers signed Douglas off the Cardinals' practice squad on October 6, 2021, following injuries to starting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King.[26] Douglas replaced backup cornerback Isaac Yiadom in a Week 6 match up vs the Chicago Bears after Yiadom committed a pass interference penalty on the opening drive. On October 28, 2021, Douglas intercepted a Kyler Murray pass during the final seconds of a close game against the Cardinals, sealing a 24–21 win for the Packers.[27]

King returned from injury in Week 9 against the Chiefs in relief of starting cornerback Eric Stokes, who was injured during warmups. Stokes recovered in time for the Packers' Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, and defensive coordinator Joe Barry named Douglas and Stokes as the starters at outside cornerback, supplanting King.

On November 28, 2021, Douglas intercepted a pass from Matthew Stafford and returned it 33 yards for his first career defensive touchdown in a 36–28 win over the Los Angeles Rams.[28] For his performance, Douglas received his first National Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week honor.[29] On December 12, 2021, Douglas recorded his second interception return for a touchdown after intercepting Bears quarterback Justin Fields en route to a 45–30 victory.[30] In a 24–22 Christmas Day victory over the Cleveland Browns, Douglas was responsible for two of Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield's four interceptions, including one with the Browns driving for a potential game-winning drive with under a minute to play.[31]

On March 19, 2022, Douglas signed a three-year, $21 million extension with the Packers.[32]

Buffalo Bills

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On October 31, 2023, Douglas along with a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft were traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick (91st overall; which the Packers would use to draft Ty'Ron Hopper).[33][34] On November 19, 2023, Douglas had two interceptions and one fumble recovery against the New York Jets.[35] He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for a stand-out game in Week 17 against the Patriots, which included three pass breakups and two interceptions, with one being returned for a touchdown.[36] Douglas tore his MCL at some point during the season, but did not miss any games, and played the Bills' final postseason game on the torn ligament.[37]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF FR Yds TD
2017 PHI 14 5 25 23 2 0.0 2 7 3.5 7 0 11 0 0 0 0
2018 PHI 16 7 58 48 10 0.0 3 14 4.7 17 0 4 0 0 0 0
2019 PHI 16 6 35 24 11 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0
2020 CAR 14 11 62 50 12 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0
2021 GB 12 9 57 52 5 0.0 5 105 21.0 55 2 13 1 0 0 0
2022 GB 17 12 85 69 16 1.0 4 26 6.5 22 0 13 1 0 0 0
2023 GB 7 7 32 26 6 0.0 1 −2 −2 −2 0 6 0 1 0 0
BUF 9 8 29 21 8 1.0 4 58 14.5 40 1 8 0 2 2 0
2024 BUF 3 3 11 7 4 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Career 108 68 394 320 74 2.0 19 208 10.9 55 3 75 2 3 2 0

Postseason

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF FR Yds TD
2017 PHI 3 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2018 PHI 2 2 10 10 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2019 PHI 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2021 GB 1 1 5 3 2 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2023 BUF 1 1 2 1 1 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Career 8 4 17 14 3 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0

Personal life

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Douglas grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, where he and his six other siblings were raised by his grandmother, and attended East Orange Campus High School. Douglas welcomed his first child, son Jeremiah Lusar Douglas, with his girlfriend Ny-Asia Franklin on October 2, 2018.[38]

References

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  1. ^ Vingle, Mitch (August 15, 2016). "Mitch Vingle: After JC 'struggle' WVU's Rasul Douglas ready to rock". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  2. ^ Taylor, Allan (August 26, 2015). "Nonconference schedule gives juco CB Rasul Douglas time to play catch-up". WV MetroNews. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  3. ^ Trotter, Jake (November 17, 2016). "Rasul Douglas' journey to becoming the Big 12's best DB". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  4. ^ Hertzel, Bob (November 25, 2016). "Douglas continues to make a name for himself". Times West Virginian. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  5. ^ Raby, John (November 18, 2016). "Rasul Douglas Becomes WVU's Star". theintelligencer.net. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  6. ^ Raby, John (November 17, 2016). "Rasul Douglas becomes No. 10 West Virginia's defensive star". AP News. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  7. ^ John Lowe (March 31, 2017). "Shelton Gibson improves 40 time at WVU Pro Day". smokingmusket.com. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  8. ^ "NFL Draft Profile: Rasul Douglas". National Football League. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  9. ^ "Rasul Douglas, DS #19 CB, West Virginia". NFLdraftscout.com. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  10. ^ "Rasul Douglas 2017 NFL Draft Profile". ESPN. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  11. ^ Smith, Alex (April 28, 2017). "Rasul Douglas Added To Cornerback Mix". PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
  12. ^ "2017 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  13. ^ "Ourlads.com: Philadelphia Eagles' depth chart: 08/01/2017". ourlads.com. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  14. ^ "Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs - September 17th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  15. ^ "New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles - September 24th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  16. ^ "Rasul Douglas 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  17. ^ Jones, Lindsay H. (February 5, 2018). "Super Bowl 2018: Eagles dethrone Tom Brady, Patriots in stunner". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  18. ^ Gowton, Brandon Lee (September 5, 2020). "Eagles waive trio of disappointing draft picks". Bleeding Green Nation. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  19. ^ Kosko, Nick (September 6, 2020). "Panthers claim Rasul Douglas, Shareef Miller off waivers". 247Sports. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  20. ^ Simmons, Myles (October 23, 2020). "Panthers activate Joey Slye, Trent Scott, place Rasul Douglas on reserve/COVID-19 list". Panthers.com. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  21. ^ Simmons, Myles (November 2, 2020). "Panthers activate Rasul Douglas from reserve/COVID-19 list". Panthers.com. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  22. ^ "Raiders sign CB Rasul Douglas". Raiders.com. April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  23. ^ "Raiders re-sign T Devery Hamilton, release CB Rasul Douglas". Raiders.com. August 23, 2021.
  24. ^ "Houston Texans Transactions (8-31-2021)". HoustonTexans.com. August 31, 2021.
  25. ^ Urban, Darren (September 3, 2021). "Former First-Round Pick Josh Doctson Lands On Practice Squad". AZCardinals.com.
  26. ^ "Packers sign CB Rasul Douglas". Packers.com. October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  27. ^ Kerr, Jeff (October 28, 2021). "Packers' Rasul Douglas seals victory over Cardinals after spending time on Arizona practice squad in October". CBS Sports. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  28. ^ Western, Evan "Tex" (November 28, 2021). "Packers defeat Rams 36–28 behind Rasul Douglas, AJ Dillon, and Randall Cobb". PackersWire. SB Nation. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  29. ^ Scott, Jelanl (December 1, 2021). "Bengals RB Joe Mixon, Bucs RB Leonard Fournette among NFL Players of the Week". National Football League. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  30. ^ Hart, Mike (December 13, 2021). "Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas has another pick-six". USA Today. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  31. ^ Boyd, Austin (December 24, 2021). "DB Raiders Cut in Training Camp Named Pro Bowl Alternate With New Team". Heavy.com. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  32. ^ Simmons, Myles (March 19, 2022). "Rasul Douglas re-signing with Packers on three-year deal". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  33. ^ White, Alec (October 31, 2023). "Source: Bills acquire CB Douglas from Packers". BuffaloBills.com. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  34. ^ "Packers announce trade with Bills". Packers.com. October 31, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  35. ^ Miller, Ryan; Maiorana, Sal. "Bills vs. Jets score: New York benches Zach Wilson for Tim Boyle". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  36. ^ Gordon, Grant (January 3, 2024). "Source: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, Packers QB Jordan Love highlight players of the week". NFL.com. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  37. ^ Dunne, Tyler (September 3, 2024). "Rasul Douglas is playing a different game". www.golongtd.com. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  38. ^ McManus, Tim (May 11, 2017). "From dollar menu to gourmet: How Eagles' Rasul Douglas beat hunger". ESPN. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
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