Despite the fact that Welker ended the 2010 season with 86 catches for 848 yards, by his own admission, he was never quite at 100 percent, thanks in large part to spending the offseason rehabbing instead of training.

This year, Welker is more than a year removed from the torn ACL and shoulder surgery, and said that lockout aside, there’s been no comparison between this offseason and last offseason.“It’s been great. I’ve actually been able to train instead of rehabbing. It’s been a world of difference. I’ve actually been able to bench press for the first time. I’ve been able to squat because of my shoulder — I can reach back there to grab the bar. Some of those things are kind of key when it comes to football. I’m definitely excited about that and that’s encouraging to see.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to use some of those skills I’m working on now during the season.“I feel so much better. It’s been great, really. Being able to train … I have confidence and everything. I feel good out there. The running, there’s no achiness. There’s none of that. It’s just being able to go out there and being able to do everything I’ve been able to do in the past and not have the aches and pains in the morning or anytime through it all. It’s been nice to see.”