FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Troy Brown has gone from tormenting defensive backs to trying to become one.

Besides continuing to practice as a wide receiver and punt returner, Brown has started receiving work in the secondary of New England’s second-team nickel defense.

“I’m an employee here, so I do what the boss tells me,” said Brown, referring to Patriots coach Bill Belichick. “It was like, “Get a few reps with the defense.’ He’s trying to build a little depth at that position and I told him I’d give him the best I had.”

While it may seem curious that a 12-year NFL veteran was asked to assume an unfamiliar role so late in his career, Belichick has experienced success using wide receiver David Givens and defensive linemen Dan Klecko, Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour on the other side of the football.

“The idea is to add to (Brown’s) value and to the team’s versatility,” Belichick said.

The injuries that decimated New England’s roster early last season also showed Belichick knows how to get the most out of every player on the roster. The Patriots overcame their bumps and bruises to win 15 consecutive games, including Super Bowl XXXVIII.

“We saw many situations last year when we had to move people around,” Belichick said. “Training camp is the best time to do it. Troy is a pretty experienced player on offense. Not that he doesn’t need the practice over there, but I think he can afford a little bit of time trying to help learn to do something else.”

The time Brown spends on defense has led to some good-natured grief from New England’s receiver corps.

“They called me traitor and Little Benedict,” Brown said. “When I’m on defense, I feel like I’m a rookie again. I get nervous but it makes me feel young again.”