"Whether adjusting his attitude, adapting to a new football way of life or simply showing a willingness to learn, Chad Ochocinco has impressed several teammates during the past few days.

Deion Branch was one of Ochocinco's biggest cheerleaders yesterday at Patriots camp. Following the morning walkthrough, the wide receiver told reporters how well the former Bengals wideout, who was acquired in a trade last week, has been at tackling the Patriots' complex offense.

"I think he's picked up a lot of things," Branch said. "The stuff they've thrown at him, I think he's done a great job of picking it up. The stuff that he's sliding on, we're going to do our best to pick him up when we can, and when he needs it. So far he hasn't been needing it and that's a good sign."

Ochocinco has jumped in, head first, so to speak. He's always checking in with Tom Brady to make sure he's doing things correctly, or at least the way the quarterback wants it.

"There's no quick process when you spend eight, nine, 10 years in one offense," Branch said. "He's a veteran player, so that's one advantage that he has. It's just all about how much can he gather and consume in a day. That'll be something that he has to do and I think with the help of myself, Wes (Welker), Tom, all of us are going to help him try to get the stuff in as soon as possible."

With Ochocinco aboard, Branch likes the potential of the unit.

"I think we should be good," he said. "Chad is great. He's a proven player, a veteran, very entertaining. We expect he has to come in and help us out."

Cornerback Leigh Bodden also sung Ochocinco's praises."