Best pass rusher in the AFC North
By: Jake Rajala
The AFC North is not only filled with quality quarterbacks (such as Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Aaron Rodgers), but they are also home to superb pass rushers. With that said, I’m going to unfold the best pass rushers in the division.
Kyle Van Noy
Kyle Van Noy proved that a system can have a big effect on a player. He had a personal best 9 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, and then he improved his sack total to 12.5 sacks last season. He also had a career-high 21 QB hits and 14 tackles for loss. PFF handed him a grade of 75.4.
Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson unleashed 13.5 sacks in his last season as a Saint. In his first season as a Bengal, he recorded 14 sacks. He then unveiled 17.5 sacks in back to back seasons. Last season, he was first-team All-Pro. He didn’t only have 17.5 sacks, but he also had 83 pressures (which led the league). He was 13th in snaps last season.
Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett didn’t quite have the sack number that Hendrickson did, but he garnered the same amount of attention. He had 14 sacks, which was fewer than Hendrickson. However, he did have 22 TFLs, which was first in the league. He also had three forced fumbles. Garrett has had 16 sacks in back to back seasons. He is more well-rounded, even if he has slightly less sacks than the likes of Hendrickson over the past couple of seasons. PFF gave Garrett a score of 92.3.
T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt, also known as the highest paid non-QB in the NFL, is out to win DPOY again. He had 11.5 sacks last season, which isn’t earth shattering. Nonetheless, he had a league high six forced fumbles. He also had 19 sacks and 19 TFLs last season. PFF gave him a grade of 92.2, which was third in the league.
The AFC North features three pass rushers who could honestly make the Hall of Fame. They are all in the prime of their career, as well. Each of these teams has competitive, bloody showdowns, which can bring out the best of these elite players.
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