Why Giants are confident rebuilt unit can 'build that wall' and fix brutal run defense

The Giants are betting their rebuilt interior run defense can flip last season’s rushing troubles, even after moving on from Dexter Lawrence’s trade request. Their offseason reset has included signing free-agent linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, drafting linebacker Arvell Reese, and adding D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris late in free agency. Reader’s focus is straightforward: avoiding a repeat of the league-worst 5.31 yards per carry allowed. Newer pieces have emphasized penetration early in training camp and “stealing possessions,” while Kayvon Thibodeaux is being used inside in certain packages. With Dennard Wilson now guiding schemes, the club expects the sum of multiple upgrades to restore toughness up the middle.