It was thought that Spagnuolo, the architect of the Giants' recent defensive success, would try to land a few of the key personnel as he takes on the task of trying to rebuild the hapless Rams' defense.

But all he has done so far is secure the two slowest safeties in the NFC -- strong safety James Butler, who started for the team last year, and Craig Dahl, who was a heart-warming success story when he made the team in 2007 as an undrafted free agent rookie from North Dakota State.

Dahl didn't play last year because of the same knee problems that took him out for most of 2007. Butler was prepared to lose his starting job this season to Kenny Phillips, a first-round draft pick in 2008.

Perhaps anticipating the loss of Butler, the Giants signed Texans safety C.C. Brown, an unrestricted free agent. They also have plans to bolster that part of the secondary in the draft.

Butler's signing by Spagnuolo is hardly surprising, nor is the primary reason for offering him a four-year package.

"James knows the system I'm going to install," Spagnuolo explained at the time of the official signing. "He will be able to help our young guys and the guys who weren't part of this kind of defense."

Spagnuolo was Dahl's "sponsor" with the Giants, falling in love with the hitting ability of the 6-1, 210-pounder. But his speed is questionable, and so is his twice-rebuilt knee. But he, too, will serve by example, as a hard-hitter, a 100 percent effort guy and a savvy performer.

Now, if only this pair had the kind of speed Spagnuolo likes.