Following an intense workout, Quintin Mikell emerged from the weight room with a smile. The beads of sweat were a simple reminder that a new season is at hand.

"I've never been more excited than I have been for the start of this season," said Mikell, who after 11 starts last season has positioned himself as the leading candidate for the team's starting strong safety job entering 2008.

Mikell is one of many selected veterans and rookies at the NovaCare Complex this week for the start of the offseason conditioning program, which is conducted under the watchful eye of strength and conditioning coach Mike Wolf and his staff. The program officially begins for remaining veterans on March 31.

"It starts now," said second-year linebacker Stewart Bradley. "You build your foundation because the season is long. It's taxing and it's hard. You want to be in the best possible shape for minicamps and carry that into training camp and into the season.

S Quintin Mikell

"The stronger you are, the more resilient you'll be during the season, the more healthy you'll be and the better the team will be."

Mikell and Bradley are two players who figure to play key roles for Jim Johnson's defense in 2008 and they're wasting little time preparing for the new challenges ahead.

"It's a new era for me, a chance to build on what I did last year," said Mikell, a former rookie free agent who ranked third on the team with nine knockdowns last season. "I'm really excited. I couldn't wait to get here. I've been pretty much excited to just get started again since the season ended."

The team made re-signing Mikell an offseason priority a year ago and he rewarded them in his most extensive action on defense. Mikell finished the season with 98 tackles, one sack, one interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. In the process, the long-time reserve and special teams standout earned praise from the coaching staff.

"I have the confidence to go out there and know that I can do it," Mikell said. "Energy-wise, I feel like a rookie again because I'm just revitalized and ready to get going."

In addition to some stretching and footwork, Mikell spent his first day working his legs and upper body, doing three sets of 12 reps on an assortment of machines.

"We jump right in," he said. "This pretty much means that work is beginning for next season and it's time to start building for a championship."

For Bradley, the difference between now and this time last year is like night and day.

"There's a lot more comfort, knowing the guys, knowing the system," said Bradley. "My confidence level is a lot higher."

In his rooie year the 6-foot-3 254-pound linebacker made an impact on special teams, finishing third on the team with 257 production points. Bradley saw action in nickel situations, and really burst onto the scene against New Orleans, recording 10 tackles, a sack and a key interception.

"It's a good starting point," Bradley said. "There's a lot of room for improvement obviously, but it's a rookie season. I feel like I got some valuable experience."

Among those joining Mikell and Bradley in the offseason conditioning program are defensive linemen Mike Patterson, Juqua Parker, Jerome McDougle and Victor Abiamiri; offensive linemen Todd Herremans, Max Jean-Gilles, Winston Justice and Nick Cole; running backs Correll Buckhalter and Tony Hunt; quarterback Kevin Kolb, along with tight end Brent Celek, cornerback Nick Graham and a host of other young players hoping to crack next season's roster.