Granted, looking up at a nine-time Pro Bowl selection on the depth chart may not be the best place to be when hoping for playing time, but for Broncos rookie cornerback Perrish Cox, training camp is about small victories.
“That could be tough if you think about it, but then you look at it like, those guys have done so much. I’m just starting out,” Cox said. “So whenever they need me, I want to be there, be ready to play.”
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels gave Champ Bailey the morning off Wednesday. In his place as the starter at left cornerback was Cox.
The rookie is in the mix for playing time in the Broncos’ specialty packages with Alphonso Smith, a second-round pick in the 2009 draft, and Nate Jones, a seventh-year veteran signed in free agency. Bailey and Andre Goodman are the starting corners and Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill are the starters at safety. All are at least 31 years old, however, and that means the Broncos are looking for young players to groom.
“(Smith) was in there (Tuesday) a bunch — Nate’s been in there too — we just put Perrish on the left with that group to rotate and see what happens,” McDaniels said Wednesday. “It’s a competitive group now. Perrish made a lot of good plays, but he gave up some too. Typical rookie day.”
Cox made the most of his chances Wednesday. He had three interceptions in the morning workout, plus a pass defensed when he closed on rookie Demaryius Thomas to knock a potential scoring pass away.
It was that kind of ball-coverage skills, as well as his ability as a returner, that drew the Broncos’ attention. They were not scared off by his suspension for Oklahoma State’s Cotton Bowl appearance.
Asked what the biggest difference is between pro ball and college ball, Cox said: “Everybody’s talented. You got grown players who’ve been in the league a long time, they’ve got families to feed, you go out there and respect that and do what you can to help them.”
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
Moving up
Broncos rookie cornerback Perrish Cox had three interceptions in Wednesday’s morning practice. Those are the kinds of big plays he made at Oklahoma State. A look:
• Led nation in pass breakups in 2009 with 19.
• Had 46 career pass breakups.
• Had 10 career interceptions.
