Ex-Coug making noise

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After Tyron Brackenridge came from behind a receiver to knock down yet another pass at a recent Chiefs practice, his head coach shouted one of his favorite practice-field expressions of encouragement.

“I see you, 34,” Herm Edwards said, referring to Brackenridge by his uniform number.

Edwards generally saves that expression for his star players. Brackenridge is no star, at least not yet.

He’s a rookie free agent who played for the Washington State Cougars last season and is playing well enough as the nickel back that the Chiefs have so far resisted signing a veteran to take Brackenridge’s position.

While it’s not unusual for a rookie free agent to be a sensation in off-season practices in training camp, as Brackenridge has, most of them fold under the preseason bright lights.

“He’s a great story,” said Chuck Cook, the Chiefs director of college scouting. “At Washington State, he’s played against some good teams. He had a real good game against USC. He’s played in the big arena before. He won’t flinch at all.

“We knew that about him coming in here. We thought he was good enough to take him in the sixth or seventh round, but he slipped through and we went after him hard in the free-agent market.”

Edwards has an affinity for undrafted rookies. He was one himself with Philadelphia as he started what would be a successful NFL playing career in the 1970s.

Beyond that, he sees some of himself in Brackenridge.

“I’ve got a feel for corners because I played the position,” Edwards said. “I kind of know what they’re thinking. That probably gives me a better sense of what he’s about.

“This kid is kind of similar to me. He asks great questions. He’s a student of the game. He learns the game quickly. He’s very organized as far as his preparation. He’s coachable. He’s a tough guy. I don’t think he’s missed a practice.

“If you’ve got all of those things, you’ve got a chance. If he keeps doing what he’s been doing, he’ll be fine.”

Brackenridge wasn’t drafted because of a slow 40-yard dash time of 4.7 at the NFL combine.

“He plays faster than that speed, and we knew it,” Cook said. “He made plays at Washington State. He’s got good ball skills. He’s a tough guy and mentally tough.”

“All they’re asking is that I keep getting better and keep building off what I do,” said Brackenridge. “If I make a mistake one day, I can’t make the same mistake later. As long as I correct it later in practice, that’s good.”