NFL executive lands on the right side of history in describing Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson
There's no question that Trey Hendrickson is the Cincinnati Bengals' best player when the defense is on the field. Three straight Pro Bowls have been earned by the edge defender since he signed with Cincinnati back in 2021. Only four of his peers have produced more than his 39.5 sacks since that season.Hendrickson has done […]
There's no question that Trey Hendrickson is the Cincinnati Bengals' best player when the defense is on the field.
Three straight Pro Bowls have been earned by the edge defender since he signed with Cincinnati back in 2021. Only four of his peers have produced more than his 39.5 sacks since that season.
Hendrickson has done more than enough to viewed as a highly-ranked pass rusher off the edge. That sentiment is felt in high places as well.
For the very first time in his career, Hendrickson made ESPN's top 10 edge rushers as voted on by league executives, coaches, and scouts. It was a close call, though.
Hendrickson earned the ninth ranking just ahead of Brian Burns, but players like Josh Hines-Allen, Danielle Hunter, and Aidan Hutchinson ended up higher on the list than Cincinnati's sack artist despite none of them posting more sacks than him in 2023.
There's a clear case for Hendrickson being the most underrated player to make the list. He was also snubbed from recognition on the AP All-Pro ballot. An anonymous NFC executive may be able to take the stand in that trial based on what he had to say about #91 in Cincinnati:
"Not sure why he doesn't get more love — very productive rusher, a pain to play against and a good run player," – anonymous NFC executive
Hendrickson not receiving enough love for what he does has started puzzling Bengals fans as well recently. He's not only the backbone of the team's pass rush, the unit has been non-existent outside of him. His 153 pressures across the past two seasons (including playoff games) are 51 more than the next closest edge defender in Sam Hubbard. Joseph Ossai is a distant third with 43. Hendrickson has also doubled Hubbard's sack total in the same time frame, though Hubbard is due for a bounce-back campaign.
Simply put, Hendrickson is the Bengals' pass rush. It's why he felt entitled to a contract extension and went public with a trade request this offseason. That he's able to produce that much with little help around him should only amplify his standing, instead it seems to have the opposite effect.
Cincinnati missing the playoffs and ranking very low defensively as a team probably had something to do with Hendrickson's low ranking. The situation on that side of the ball should be much better in 2024, and with Hendrickson not showing any signs of slowing down, another sack-filled season should boost him even higher up this list.
All Hendrickson can do is keep terrorizing quarterbacks. The love will come when others start looking with same vision that anonymous exec has.
Trey Hendrickson explains why he’s back practicing with Bengals following his trade request
The 3-time Pro Bowler has his priorities in check.
