EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Sometimes drastic changes can be unsettling. However, in the case of the New York Giants, who last year finished 7-9, the returning players from that team understand that changes had to be made if the club is to get back on track.
So far, the Giants have added 15 new faces to their roster, nine on an offense that finished 28th in the NFL last year, and six to a defense that finished eighth overall.
“Usually there’s a lot of change when you don’t do well,” said linebacker Jon Beason. “Something is broken so you’ve got to fix it. The changes are good, meaning the guys that we brought in in free agency have been huge. It says that it’s about winning right now and that’s the most important thing.”
The defensive backfield has undergone the biggest overhaul of any unit so far.
Out are cornerbacks Terrell Thomas, Corey Webster and Aaron Ross, and safety Ryan Mundy.
In are cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, projected to be the team’s No. 1 cornerback; Walter Thurmond III, projected to be the slot cornerback; and Zack Bowman, who was added for depth and special teams; and safety Quintin Demps.
At linebacker, former Raven Jameel McClain is projected to replace Keith Rivers on the strong side.
On the defensive line, newcomer Robert Ayers is projected to start in place of long-time defensive end Justin Tuck, who signed with the Raiders.
The Giants’ “broken” offense is also undergoing a transformation. In addition to getting a new coordinator, former Packers quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo, there are new faces on every unit except fullback.
Running back Rashad Jennings came over from Oakland to presumably be the No. 1 guy in the rotation while David Wilson continues to rehab from the neck surgery he had in January.
Wide receiver Mario Manningham returns after a two-year, injury-filled tenure with the 49ers while blocking tight end Kellen Davis joins fellow former Seahawk teammate Thurmond on the Giants this season.
Quarterback Josh Freeman will compete to be a backup.
The much-maligned offensive line’s makeover includes two new projected starters, center J.D. Walton and left guard Geoff Schwartz, and two veteran guard/tackles, former Dolphin John Jerry and former Saint Charles Brown.
“I think everyone’s excited about putting last season behind us,” said guard Chris Snee, who will attempt to return from season-ending hip and elbow surgeries.
“It’s not easy to see certain guys go, guys that you put a lot of time in with and have had some memories with, but that’s the nature of the game,” Snee added.
Despite all the new additions, general manager Jerry Reese is far from finished with making changes.
Defensively, he is believed to be looking for additional help at defensive end and defensive tackle, and at linebacker.
Offensively, the team could use a pass receiving tight end, a young guard/tackle prospect, and additional help at running back and receiver.
When the draft is completed, the big challenge for the Giants will be getting all of this new talent onto the same page.
“(GM) Jerry (Reese) and everyone else put a team out there that they think is going to win,” Snee said. “We just have to try to get to know each other.”