Rookie middle linebacker Curtis Lofton said he is fortunate to be coming into a situation where he can learn from cerebral and hard-working veterans Keith Brooking, Michael Boley and Tony Taylor. Their work ethic is something to emulate, he said, but their willingness to help him has made him feel like he belongs.

"It's really great with them because they've been there, they've been where I am so they know what I'm going though," the second-round pick from Oklahoma said. "They know the defense really well, they pay great attention and they're helping me learn how to learn."

Lofton, who has been working with the second unit behind Taylor, said once training camp starts and players are in pads, he'll be better than he is now.

"It's kind of weird for me to hold back from hitting someone," Lofton said. "I'm looking forward to getting the pads on. That will be a good time."