Summary

Trey Hendrickson was selected in Round 3 (#103 Overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, 103rd overall out of Florida Atlantic University. A productive collegiate edge rusher, Hendrickson totaled 29 sacks at FAU and earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors (2016). Initially a rotational player in New Orleans, he broke out late in his rookie contract before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he emerged as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. Through the 2024 season, Hendrickson has recorded 80+ career sacks, including multiple 13+ sack seasons with Cincinnati, and has been a driving force behind the Bengals’ defensive resurgence. He earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors (2023), while playing a critical role in Cincinnati’s Super Bowl LVI appearance and continued playoff contention. Hendrickson is widely regarded as a high-character, relentless competitor, praised for work ethic, toughness, and leadership by example, consistently playing with urgency and intensity snap-to-snap.

Strengths

• Elite Pass-Rush Motor: Relentless effort overwhelms blockers late in downs. Converts pressures into sacks at an elite clip, constantly finishing towards the top of sack leader lists.

• Get-Off & Burst: Explosive first step stresses tackles immediately. Maintains effectiveness across high snap volumes.

• Fully Loaded Toolbox: Active, violent hands and wins with swipes, chops, and counters. A chameleon who can win a wide variety of ways.

• Bend & Flexibility: Dips shoulder and flattens like an accordion to the quarterback effectively with elite ankle flexion.

Weaknesses

• Size vs. Power: Can be challenged by massive tackles in straight power situations. Has an average body type and there is nothing remarkable about him aesthetically.

• Block Holding: Relies on speed and technique more than anchoring strength. Aggressive rush style can occasionally draw offsides or hands-to-face calls.

• Inside Run Defense: Suspect run defender who can get washed out by powerful tackles. More disruptive than stout at point of attack.

• Age Curve: Athletic peak must be managed with workload as career advances. What does he yield on the open market in 2026 as a free agent?

Outlook

Hendrickson is an ideal fit for aggressive, attacking defensive schemes that prioritize edge speed, disruption, and quarterback pressure. In Cincinnati’s defense, he functions as the primary pass-rushing focal point from wide alignments, allowing coordinators to design fronts and pressures around his ability to win one-on-one. His presence forces protections to slide, creating opportunities for interior rushers and blitz packages. Looking ahead, Hendrickson projects as a high-end EDGE1 and perennial Pro Bowl–caliber defender as long as health and burst remain intact. While age and power limitations may eventually reduce snap volume, his technique, motor, and pass-rush instincts give him a high floor and sustained impact value. For the Bengals, Hendrickson remains a defensive cornerstone capable of anchoring pass rush identity and swinging games with consistent pressure production.