One of the bigger New York Giants questions of 2016 is what to expect from Jason Pierre-Paul. The 2010 first-round pick, who lost his right index finger in a fireworks accident last July 4, is back on a one-year deal and believes he will play much better than he did upon his midseason return last year. He has said he won't have to wear the heavy "club" wrap he wore on his damaged right hand last year, and teammates and coaches spoke last week about his intensity and focus. He and they believe he's in for a big 2016.

Jason Pierre-Paul says he won't have to play with the "club" wrap around his right hand in 2016. Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

But in what role, exactly? Due to the state of his right hand, Pierre-Paul likely can't line up as a full-time starter at the right defensive end spot. He used to live over there, asked to beat left tackles with his burst and athleticism. But the Giants signed Olivier Vernon in March, and his salary indicates they expect him to fill that role. Pierre-Paul's production got more reliable last year when the team moved him to left defensive end, where he could play with his left hand on the ground, and that's where you should expect him to see most of his action this coming season.

The other way in which a healthier, better-practiced Pierre-Paul can help this year is by moving inside to play defensive tackle on passing downs. Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves to load up with pass-rushers on third down, and he's likely to take run-stuffer Damon Harrison (more on him later) off the field on passing downs and move someone like Pierre-Paul or Kerry Wynn to the inside, with Wynn, Owa Odighizuwa or someone else playing the defensive end spot. Those roles and plans all have to be sorted out over the coming months, but if Pierre-Paul is as spry as everyone says he is, he offers a level of positional versatility that will allow the Giants to move him around the line to their advantage.

Some other defensive line thoughts as we await the start of organized team activities: