Most underrated player from Steelers and AFC North rivals entering 2022
By Tommy Jaggi
Bengals: EDGE Trey Hendrickson
Not only do I think that Trey Hendrickson is one of the most underrated players in the AFC North, but at this point, I’m starting to think he’s one of the most underrated football players in the entire NFL. No matter how much improvement the talented edge defender seems to make year after year, he never seems to earn the recognition he deserves.
Hendrickson had a very quiet start to his career — earning just 6.5 sacks over his first three seasons as a member of the Saints. Though he began his career as a backup, he elevated his status over the past two seasons.
In 2020 and 2021, Hendrickson combined for a whopping 27.5 sacks, 24 tackles for a loss, and 52 quarterback hits. Last season was his first as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, but he immediately became one of the best players on the team and helped the defense take a massive step forward.
Hendrickson has a tendency to overset at times in run defense and often fails to contain his lane, but he’s one of the best pure pass-rushing edge defenders in the NFL thanks to his impressive combination of size, quickness, bend, and pass-rush moves.