Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter deserves a mention as a defensive mastermind. Minter’s performance alone helped the Los Angeles Chargers rank 10th in opponents rushing yards per game last season. Despite having almost no All-Pro players on their roster last year, the Chargers will have 45 sacks in 2025, ranking 10th in the NFL. So, Minter knows that having a veteran linebacker like Trey Hendrickson as part of his defensive unit is a blessing, and fans should expect Minter to call out some impressive formations in 2026 to wreak havoc on opponents.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 21: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals watches before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Hendrickson played just seven games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025 before suffering a core muscle injury in December that required surgery. Hendrickson is fully recovered and won’t be the lone anchor on the Ravens’ defensive line like he was with the Bengals. Instead, Hendrickson will be accompanied by other strong pass rushers, which will make it more difficult for opposing offensive linemen to utilize his innate skills. Hendrickson peaked under current Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, averaging 17.5 sacks per season in 2024 and 2025 before Anarumo left the Bengals. Now, Hendrickson will be a pawn in Minter’s methodical strategy rather than having to rely solely on willpower to get rid of blockers and disrupt plays.
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Minter’s use of a modular 3-4 scheme is not new to the Ravens, but the team hasn’t had a rusher as famous as Hendrickson since All-Pro Terrell Suggs donned a uniform. With Hendrickson and Nmandy Madubike properly adjusted and rehabilitated, Minter can quietly build the strongest defensive front in the NFL heading into the 2026 season. Time will tell.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens expect Trae Hendrickson to make big impact in 2026