Bengals: Trey Hendrickson just misses ESPN's top 10 edge rushers
The investment the Cincinnati Bengals made in Trey Hendrickson two years ago has paid off tremendously. Hendrickson has successfully elevated himself from a fringe starting edge rusher with the New Orleans Saints, to a back-to-back Pro Bowl pass rusher for the Bengals. Now a core member of the Bengals, Hendrickson has undoubtedly developed into one […]
The investment the Cincinnati Bengals made in Trey Hendrickson two years ago has paid off tremendously.
Hendrickson has successfully elevated himself from a fringe starting edge rusher with the New Orleans Saints, to a back-to-back Pro Bowl pass rusher for the Bengals.
Now a core member of the Bengals, Hendrickson has undoubtedly developed into one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. But the former third-round pick barely missed the cut for ESPN's top 10 edge rushers as voted by various league executives, coaches, and scouts.
Since signing a four-year, $60 million deal with Cincinnati in 2021, only six edge rushers have more sacks than Hendrickson, but his 22 QB takedowns from each regular season is just part of his profile. He also led NFL with a 16.8% pressure rate in 2022, his second consecutive year atop the league ranks.
That pressure rate is what earned Hendrickson some appropriate appreciation from one NFL exec, who told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler exactly why the Bengals' Pro Bowler is one of the best in the game.
"High pressure rate. Sack numbers were down in '22 but pressure rate was up. Great motor and violence. Plays game the right way." – anonymous NFC team executive
Not only was Hendrickson's pressure rate at an elite level, his pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus was also extremely high. At 87.4, only five starters at his position graded higher.
Consistently winning in a quick manner is the ultimate sign of a high-quality pass rusher. Sacks might be the conventional way to gauge their effectiveness, but more goes into that number than just the ability of the sack artist. Hendrickson's numbers indicate he was a much better pass rusher than his eight sacks from last season would portray.
Hendrickson has a clear case to be amongst the 10 best edge rushers, though it is a stacked position around the league. Both Nick and Joey Bosa, Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt are all very deserving, as are some others who put up more sacks than Hendrickson last year including Haason Reddick, and Za'Darius Smith.
Should Hendrickson produce a similar pressure rate and pass rush grade this season, his sack total is likely to increase from eight back to double digits. That will bring him back into the top 10 come next offseason.
Bengals Pro Bowler receives hefty praise from Super Bowl champion
Much deserved recognition.
Featured image via © Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
