The Cincinnati Bengals’ choice to trade the No. 10 overall selection for New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has been confusing to some who don’t follow the Bengals closely enough.
Former Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth took it a step further. Not only does he approve of the move, but he thinks Lawrence is more of a difference maker than Trey Hendrickson was for Cincinnati’s defense.
“Here’s the reality to Trey Hendrickson,” Whitworth told Pat McAfee on his show. “He’s a helluva
player. But here’s the truth. He is ranked at the top of the group when it comes to sacks and pressures of the quarterback, no doubt. But let’s go look where he’s ranked in the run game in all those years as well. And it ain’t up at the top.”
Hendrickson obviously has a special place in Bengals history. He was one of the best pass rushers in the NFL over his span with the team.
That being said, there is more than just being able to rush the passer, and as Hendrickson has aged, he has become more of a liability there. It didn’t help that the rest of the defense also deteriorated around him during that time.
Lawrence is pretty much the best nose tackle in the league, and whenever he is out there, he makes everyone else better by taking up so much attention with double teams. He has been great at stopping the run as well as rushing the passer. That is way better of a deal for a defense that struggled to stop anyone last season.
Whitworth obviously knows offensive and defensive linemen, having over a decade of experience in the NFL. It is worth trusting his opinion on this more than just an NFL insider.
Of course, we still have to see how this all plays out when the season starts. Hopefully Whitworth is right, though.
