2. Bud Dupree
Edge-rusher Bud Dupree may not be the player fans are thinking about to help the Giants out, but he can be a productive situational edge-rusher for Big Blue. Unlike the secondary positions, Schoen places a premium on the line, so he may be more willing to offer a bit more to an experienced player like Dupree. The 31-year-old stud is coming off a solid campaign with the Atlanta Falcons amassing 6.5 sacks, 39 tackles and two forced fumbles while playing in 63 percent of the snaps. Right now, the Giants have Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, and Boogie Basham on the edge. While Burns and Thibodeaux can be great, they can't play every down.
The Giants could add a pass-rusher in the draft,but why not double down on the position. Everyone always says, you can never have enough pass-rushers. Schoen traded with his good friends up north the Buffalo Bills for Basham last year, but he didn't contribute much. Ojulari has been good when he can stay healthy, but the only issue is, he can't stay healthy. Ojulari may be one of the biggest winners of free agency so far, as crazy as it may sound. If Ojulari can pin his ears back and be a situational pass-rusher, he might shine in a reduced role.
Now if you add a veteran presence like Dupree to that room and have him and Ojulari rushing after the QB on third downs giving KT and Burns a break, the Giants defensive line could be dangerous. Dupree also has a connection with new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen from his time with the Titans, so there could be a potential connection down the road.