In light of Trey Hendrickson's trade request, the Cincinnati Bengals are now reevaluating their draft strategy for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. While the team initially seemed unlikely to target defensive end in the first round, recent developments have led to a shift in their approach.

Hendrickson, who is seeking a new deal, has expressed his desire to leave Cincinnati if an agreement cannot be reached. Although the Bengals are not actively looking to trade their star player, the potential departure has raised concerns about maintaining a strong defensive unit without long-term agreements with key players.

As the 2024 NFL Draft draws near, the Bengals currently hold the No. 18 pick in the first round. The team had not previously considered targeting a defensive end in this slot, especially after selecting Myles Murphy in the first round of last year's draft. However, the trade request by Hendrickson has altered the team's perspective.

According to Field Yates's final NFL Mock Draft projection on ESPN, the Bengals are now projected to select Florida State defensive end Jared Verse with their first-round pick. Verse is widely regarded as one of the top pass-rushers in this year's draft class, making him an attractive option for Cincinnati, especially considering the potential departure of Hendrickson.

If a trade involving Hendrickson materializes, Verse would step into an immediate role alongside Myles Murphy as the foundation of the Bengals' pass-rushing unit. With Verse's combination of power and length, he could provide the much-needed boost to Cincinnati's defense, which allowed a league-high 6.0 yards per play last season.

Verse, who transferred to Florida State after two seasons at Albany, had an impressive collegiate career. In 2022, he earned First-Team All-American honors, recording 48 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. In the following season, Verse tallied 41 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and nine sacks, earning Second-Team All-American recognition.

Ranked 16th overall on the consensus big board, Verse presents a valuable option for the Bengals at the No. 18 spot. This potential selection would offer solid value and address the team's need for a pass-rushing presence.

Replacing Hendrickson, who has accumulated nearly 40 sacks over the past three seasons, will undoubtedly be a challenging task for the Bengals. However, with Hendrickson approaching 30 years old, planning for the future and providing a long-term solution at the defensive end position could be a wise decision.

On the other side of the defensive line, Sam Hubbard remains under contract until 2025. While Hubbard is primarily a run defender, Verse's pass-rushing abilities would complement Hubbard's skill set, enhancing the Bengals' overall defensive effectiveness.

While defensive end will potentially be a focal point for the Bengals in the 2024 NFL Draft, it remains to be seen how the situation will ultimately unfold. As the team's first-round pick approaches, Cincinnati must carefully consider their options, keeping an eye on alternative positions such as wide receiver, interior defensive line, or offensive line.

Furthermore, the Bengals' strategy in the later rounds of the draft could potentially shed light on their overarching plan. Observing their Day 2 selections will provide further insight into their intentions and how they plan to address defensive needs beyond the first round.

As April approaches, the Bengals find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the imperative of maintaining a competitive defense while managing the uncertainty surrounding Trey Hendrickson's future with the team. Only time will tell how they navigate this situation and shape their roster for the upcoming season.