New England Patriots Player Profile: Leigh Bodden

July 7, 2:16 AMNew England Patriots ExaminerSean Crowe

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The Patriots knew they couldn't go through another season with a mediocre secondary. This offseason, they set out to rebuild what was the biggest weak spot on the 2008 squad.

Arguably the biggest addition the Patriots made is the subject of this edition of New England Patriots Player Profiles.

Leigh Bodden

The Patriots signed Leigh Bodden to a 1 year, $2.25 million contract back in March. The contract includes $1 million in guaranteed money and a "no franchise" clause that says the Patriots waive their right to use the franchise tag on him after the 2009 season.

Leigh Bodden will likely start opposite Shawn Springs in a completely revamped New England secondary. Jonathan Wilhite, rookie Darius Butler, and Terrence Wheatley will handle the nickel and dime responsibilities.

Bodden was a standout cornerback for Duquesne University. He was a tremendous collegiate athlete, staring in both football and track and field. In 2002, he won the Atlantic 10 Conference's long jump championship.

Despite his 28 career interceptions, prototypical size, and insane athleticism, Bodden wasn't on anyone's radar leading up to the 2003 draft. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent.

Bodden overcame being undrafted, made the Browns' roster, and was a big time contributor right away. He played in 13 games, spending the bulk of his time playing in the nickel defense and excelling at special teams.

Bodden's 2004 season was shortened by a shoulder injury, but prior to the injury he cemented himself as a special teams ace and an up and coming cornerback.

In 2005, Bodden was named a starter by former Patriots' defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. He didn't disappoint. Bodden started 11 games, had 59 tackles, 3 interceptions, 20 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles.

Bodden's 2006 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 9 starts. He has not missed a game due to injury since the 2006 season.

In 2007, Bodden led the Browns with 6 interceptions and recorded 92 tackles. He was well on his way to becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Until the lowly Detroit Lions decided they wanted him (and a third round pick) in return for Shaun Rogers.

Bodden's one season in Detroit was a nightmare. Bodden's time in Detroit was doomed from the start. His GM said the guy he was traded for could be defensive player of the year, then his new coach put him behind Travis Fisher (who?) on the depth chart going into preseason. And it was all downhill from there.

Bodden was released by the Lions in February, and was signed about a month later by the Patriots.

Player Analysis

Bodden is a confident kid and a tremendous athlete. He had a four year contract on the table from New England, but decided to go with a "prove it to me" one year deal instead.

Bodden is the most talented cornerback to play in New England since Ty Law. When playing in Romeo Crennel's system, he may have been the best cornerback in the AFC (just ask Chad Ocho Cinco).

Forget what happened in Detroit. Nobody can win there. This kid's going to have a Pro Bowl season. The only thing Patriot fans have to worry about is whether or not the Patriots will be able to re-sign him when the season's over.

Previous Player Profiles:

• Fred Taylor
• Shawn Springs
• Wes Welker

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Questions? Comments? Insults? You can email them to Sean Crowe at scrowe@gmail.com.

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