The Sports Xchange

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — When a rookie draft pick comes in wanting a jersey number currently worn by a veteran, often times the negotiation to get that number can take longer than negotiating the rookie contract.

New York Giants safety Landon Collins, however, was fortunate when it came to his negotiations with teammate Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who gave No. 21 to Collins without asking for a dime.

At least so far.

“He might still come and hit me up for a lot of money once I sign my contract,” Collins joked of Rodgers-Cromartie.

In all seriousness, Collins, who grew up a fan of the late Washington safety Sean Taylor, who wore that jersey number early in his NFL career before switching to No. 26, said he was glad that Rodgers-Cromartie was so willing to part with the jersey.

“Nope, he didn’t ask for money,” Collins said, adding that the only number that Rodgers-Cromartie really cares about is No. 45, which he wore in college and with Denver, but which is currently worn by fullback Henry Hynoski.

“I gave him my reasons behind (asking), and he said he liked my reasons. He said he didn’t care about numbers,” Collins said.

Collins, who despite his fandom of Taylor wasn’t highly recruited by the University of Miami, is hoping that his NFL career turns out to be as successful as the late Hurricane.

So far, Collins is off to a good start. He has been working with the starting defense since Day 1, mostly lining up on the same side of the formation as the tight end, but not necessarily being limited to playing down in the box.

In the Giants’ seventh OTA practice, Collins was particularly active in coverage, an area of his game that some pre-draft scouting reports tagged as a weakness, though he said that where he lines up and what he does all depends on the formation.

So far, he has shown that he has made significant progress every day, such as taking better angles and being among the first to arrive at the ball carrier.

“Everything is slowing down and I’m getting a better sense of the defense,” Collins said, adding that he has been making some of the calls in the defensive secondary.

“It’s been fantastic to be out there with the ones because those are the guys that really know the defense and have been here a few years.”

As for Collins, he has taken to the new system being installed by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo like a hand in glove.

“I love the defense; it’s kind of similar to our defense back in Alabama. The only thing that changed is the calls and where you line up at; the key details.”

As he continues to get reps in this system, Collins said his goal is to do No. 21 proud both on and off the field.

“Every day I’m facing a different battle and a different challenge,” Collins said. “I want to make sure that I know what’s going on out there, what everyone is doing, where I’m supposed to line up at and flying to the ball.”