Redskins Add QB Brennan To Their Hit-or-Miss Haul

"I bring explosion [as a kick returner]. My first five steps [are] so explosive, I'm going to get you to the 50 [on kickoff returns]. Any time I catch a ball, I'm going to get you to the 50."

Tryon had three interceptions last season, returning one for a touchdown. He had 19 passes defended, ranking 11th in the nation, and also had a 23.7-yard average on seven kickoff returns. Despite being only 5-9, Tryon said he prefers to face bigger wide receivers because "I can control their bodies a little bit more than little receivers," he said. "Little receivers are a little bit more shifty. I'm looking forward to guarding the T.O.s and the Chad Johnsons."

Although Rogers hopes to return for the Sept. 4 season opener, many in the organization believe he might not be ready. And even if he accomplishes his goal, it is doubtful he would be in top form at the outset, so cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Smoot are projected as the starters.

At quarterback, the Redskins had shown interest in Erik Ainge of Tennessee and Josh Johnson of the University of San Diego. Ainge and Johnson were drafted in the fifth round, with the New York Jets selecting Ainge (No. 162) and the San Diego Chargers picking Johnson (No. 160). With the draft drawing to a close and the Redskins still seeking a young quarterback, they selected Brennan (6-2, 201), whom they scouted at his pro-day workout.

"The thing that I look for, one of the strong suits of a QB, is can he hit what he's throwing at?" Zorn said. "Colt has done that. He's been a 70-percent passer. Whatever level and whatever type of defense you're going against, to throw 70-plus percent, there's some accuracy there. . . .

"And he's got the ability to move around. His lateral movement, his ability to get himself in a position to throw the ball after a play breaks down, is tremendous, I think. Hopefully, he'll be able to come in here and do that."

Some teams had backed off because of concerns about his past (he pleaded guilty to burglary and trespassing in 2004 and spent a week in jail) as well as recent issues with his health and weight, league sources said. "To be honest, as the day was progressing, I was really thinking, 'Maybe I'm a free-agent guy,' " Brennan said.

In three seasons at Hawaii, Brennan set 21 NCAA records. He passed for 14,193 yards with 131 touchdowns while completing 70.4 percent of his passes. Still recovering from surgery April 7 to repair a slightly torn labrum in his hip, Brennan is not expected to participate in this weekend's minicamp and the offseason OTAs.

"I'm doing great," Brennan said. "The doctor said that I'm on the path to full recovery. The surgery was a complete success. I'm about six weeks to being at 100 percent. For me, I just can't wait to get out there and let their doctors and their staff get me through the rehab process and get me ready for training camp."

With starters LaRon Landry and Reed Doughty and backup Vernon Fox the team's only safeties, Moore (5-11, 213) and Horton (6-1, 216) will get the chance to contribute immediately.

Jackson (6-4, 259), the defensive end, will compete for a backup spot. "There was something that John [Palermo, the team's new defensive line coach] saw in Jackson," Cerrato said.

One surprising pick was Brooks, who won the Ray Guy Award as college football's top punter last season and had a 40.58-yard net average as a senior. He is expected to compete with Frost, who had a 36.4-yard net average in 2007.

"I think the Redskins made an awesome choice," Brooks said.

Redskins Notes: The Redskins have agreed to terms with 13 undrafted free agents, including four offensive linemen, two defensive lineman and two linebackers. The team is expected to announce the signings today. . . . Because Zorn and many of his offensive assistants are new, the Redskins will wear names on the back of their jerseys during the three-day minicamp that begins Friday.