Cassell was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft, 230th overall.

Matt Cassell saw action in 2003 both as a quarterback and at tight end. With a true display of “whatever helps the team win” attitude, Cassell took snaps in place of Matt Leinart against both Hawaii and Arizona State, and then ran routes and blocked for Leinart in games against the Washington schools, Arizona, UCLA and Oregon State. Cassell made a similar switch in 2001 that saw him move from quarterback to wide receiver.

In 2003, Matt Cassell didn’t put up anything resembling gaudy numbers, but he did make his presence felt in a must win over Arizona State. After Matt Leinart went down with an injury, Cassell stepped in and kept the game under control until Leinart could return. In that game, Cassell was four of ten for 42 yards including a 40-yard hook up with Mike Williams. Looking to 2004, Cassell is again penciled in as a quarterback, but will undoubtedly be ready to step in anywhere he is needed.