The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a pivotal juncture, particularly with their pass rush department needing urgent attention. Trey Hendrickson has been a force to reckon with, leading the NFL with an impressive 17.5 sacks and accumulating 83 total pressures, earning a well-deserved first-team All-Pro nod. But while Hendrickson stands tall, his supporting cast falls short, contributing only 8 sacks combined. That’s a glaring hole that the Bengals simply cannot afford to ignore any longer.
With veteran defensive tackle BJ Hill potentially leaving in free agency, the Bengals’ interior defensive line also becomes a focal point for reinforcement. But the pressing issue lies at the defensive end position. Sam Hubbard, once a reliable option, hasn’t provided the necessary complement to Hendrickson recently. First-round pick Myles Murphy from 2023 has yet to live up to his potential, and Joseph Ossai, a 2021 third-rounder, is still striving to reach his ceiling, while staring at free agency himself.
As the Bengals aim to bolster their championship aspirations in 2025, injecting new talent into their pass rush is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Enter Jack Sawyer, the dynamic defensive end from Ohio State. A top-tier recruit from the 2021 class, Sawyer’s decision to enroll early at Ohio State bore fruits, culminating in a Rose Bowl victory in 2022. Over his college career from 2021 to 2024, Sawyer demonstrated marked improvement every season, refining his pass-rushing techniques and shining in pressure-packed situations.
With Sawyer set to be 23 at the start of the 2025 NFL season, his film and production suggest he’s primed to hit his full stride. He could be exactly what the Bengals need—a fresh burst of talent capable of transforming their defensive front. Adding Sawyer to the mix could elevate Cincinnati’s defense and provide that extra push needed to support Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and, of course, Trey Hendrickson. The path to greatness awaits, and it could just lead to the Bengals finally lifting that elusive Lombardi trophy in February 2026.
