Just about everyone who closely follows the draft has those couple sleeper picks the believe will be NFL studs. Nobody else may believe you, but there is a feeling of confidence you have in that player that is unshakable. One of those players for me is Trey Hendrickson from Florida Atlantic. The Shrine Game defensive MVP is an underrated gem in this years EDGE rushing class and someone who could pay big dividends to whatever team drafts him. Here's why:
Measurables:
Height- 6'4''
Weight- 270 lbs
Year:
Senior (22)
2016 stat line:
50 tackles (25 solo), 9.5 sacks, 15 TFLs, 2 PD, 1 FF
Pros: Trey Hendrickson plays with a motor. I like the attitude of the smaller school kids: they feel snubbed by power-5 teams, so when they get the chance to showcase their talent, they give that extra 10% you love to see. Against the run, Hendrickson is a strong tackler who is quick enough to adjust to shifty ball carriers and not miss tackles. Against the pass, Hendrickson explodes off the line of scrimmage and shows active hands. He can get around the outside of the tackle and has a very nice spin move as his counter. Once he gets to the quarterback, Hendrickson excels at stripping the quarterback (7 career FF). Hendrickson was also a captain on his team.
Cons: Hendrickson lacks strength, and it shows on film. He weighed in light at the Shrine game at 255 lbs and probably weighed that amount during the regular season as well. He struggles to set the edge during running plays and too often is stonewalled. He also has a really bad habit of going after the quarterback on every play. He is fooled often by draws, read option, and sometimes just a plain old handoff. He needs to avoid chasing the quarterback after the running back has the ball because it took him out of too many plays in college. Against the pass, Hendrickson is inconsistent with his bull rush and gets stood upright too often. He needs to use his leverage better when rushing.
Pro Comparison: Trent Cole, EDGE, Indianapolis Colts
While Trent Cole is now on the Colts, he was once a stud defensive lineman for the Eagles. He did not win with a superior bend or strength, but he had great hand work and tenacity. Hendrickson will probably start as a backup when he reaches the league like Cole is doing now for the Colts, but eventually, he could be a starter like Cole was with the Eagles.
3 teams that could use him: The Rams defensive line is overrated, especially its ends. Hendrickson could back up the oft-injured Robert Quinn and eventually replace him. The Dolphins released Mario Williams and Cameron Wake is quite old so they could address the void in the late rounds by drafting Hendrickson. The Lions have needed EDGE depth for awhile, so drafting Hendrickson would make sense, especially because the Lions are injury prone.
Conclusion: Trey Hendrickson is an underrated pass rusher who has shined at every level of competition. His pass rushing ability will get some team to draft him sometime on day 3.
All stats from www.sports-reference.com
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