The New England Patriots made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson with the 38th overall pick in the second round. This decision has sparked significant discussion, as Henderson brings a unique skill set to a Patriots offense looking to rebuild around young quarterback Drake Maye. Below is a comprehensive analysis of Henderson’s background, skills, fit within the Patriots’ system, and potential impact in the NFL.
Background and College Career
TreVeyon Henderson, born on October 22, 2002, in Hopewell, Virginia, emerged as a high school football sensation, leading Hopewell High School to a Virginia Class 3 state championship in 2019 with an astonishing 3,193 all-purpose yards and 53 touchdowns. A five-star recruit, Henderson chose Ohio State, where he showcased his explosive playmaking ability over four seasons.
At Ohio State, Henderson’s freshman year (2021) was a breakout campaign, with 1,560 all-purpose yards. Despite battling injuries in his sophomore and junior seasons, he rebounded strongly in 2024, rushing for 1,016 yards on 145 carries (7.1 yards per carry) and scoring 10 touchdowns, while adding 27 receptions for 284 yards. His performance helped Ohio State secure a College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2025, highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown catch-and-run in the Cotton Bowl against Texas. Henderson’s durability concerns were alleviated in his senior year, as splitting carries with teammate Quinshon Judkins kept him fresh and effective.
Physical Profile and Measurables
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 202-208 pounds
40-Yard Dash: 4.43 seconds
Key Stats (2024): 7.0+ yards per carry, 1,000+ rushing yards, 250+ receiving yards, 0 fumbles in 667 college touches
Explosion Score: 95th percentile in jumping drills
Henderson’s compact frame, combined with elite speed and agility, makes him a dynamic threat. His low center of gravity and balance allow him to evade tacklers, while his track background (a standout sprinter in high school) contributes to his “freakish acceleration” and ability to break away for long gains.
Strengths
Explosive Playmaking: Henderson’s 7.6 yards per touch in 2024 led all running backs in his draft class, with 15% of his runs gaining 15+ yards. His ability to turn short gains into big plays makes him a “home run” threat every time he touches the ball.
Elite Pass Protection: Henderson is an exceptional pass protector, a rare trait for a running back. His ability to identify blitzers, engage defenders, and sustain blocks makes him a three-down player, particularly valuable in Josh McDaniels’ pass-heavy offensive scheme.
Receiving Ability: With 27 catches for 284 yards in 2024, Henderson is a proven pass-catcher. His natural hands and ability to gain yards after the catch draw comparisons to former Patriots backs like Kevin Faulk and James White.
Ball Security: Henderson has zero lost fumbles across 667 college touches, a statistic that aligns with the Patriots’ emphasis on minimizing turnovers.
Versatility: Henderson’s ability to contribute as a runner, receiver, and blocker makes him a perfect fit for a multi-faceted role in New England’s offense.
Areas for Improvement
Durability Concerns: Henderson’s injury history in 2022 and 2023 raised questions about his ability to handle a heavy workload. While he answered these concerns in 2024, his relatively light frame (202-208 pounds) may limit his effectiveness as an every-down power back.
Limited Volume: With only 145 rushing attempts in 2024 due to sharing carries with Judkins, Henderson has not been tested as a workhorse back. The Patriots may need to manage his carries to preserve his explosiveness.
Positional Value Debate: Some analysts questioned the Patriots’ decision to draft a running back in the second round when premium positions like wide receiver or pass rusher were available. Henderson will need to prove his game-changing ability to justify the pick.
Fit with the New England Patriots
The Patriots’ selection of Henderson signals a commitment to building a versatile, explosive offense around quarterback Drake Maye. Under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, known for utilizing dual-threat running backs, Henderson is an ideal fit. McDaniels has historically leaned on backs like Dion Lewis and James White for their pass-catching and third-down prowess, and Henderson’s skill set aligns perfectly with this mold.
Henderson joins a crowded but complementary backfield that includes Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, and Terrell Jennings. Stevenson, a powerful runner, and Gibson, a versatile veteran, provide a balanced attack, while Henderson’s speed and pass-protection skills make him a natural fit for passing downs. Analysts suggest he could become “Drake Maye’s best friend” by providing a reliable check-down option and explosive playmaking to stretch defenses.
Head coach Mike Vrabel, who values physicality and culture, sees Henderson as a player who buys into the Patriots’ championship pedigree. Henderson himself expressed excitement about joining “the culture” in New England, where the goal is to compete for Super Bowls annually.
Fantasy Football and NFL Impact
For fantasy football managers, Henderson is an intriguing prospect. His role as a pass-catching back in a McDaniels offense suggests immediate PPR (points per reception) value, though his carries may be limited in a committee backfield. Analysts project him as the potential second-best rookie running back in 2025, behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, if given sufficient opportunities.
In the NFL, Henderson’s ceiling is as a game-changing offensive weapon, drawing comparisons to Alvin Kamara and Breece Hall for his speed, receiving ability, and pass-protection skills. His floor is a high-end complementary back who thrives on third downs and in open space. His immediate impact will depend on how quickly he adapts to the NFL’s physicality and the Patriots’ complex playbook.
Why the Patriots Drafted Henderson
The Patriots’ decision to draft Henderson was driven by three key factors:
Supporting Drake Maye: With a young quarterback, New England prioritized offensive weapons to ease Maye’s transition. Henderson’s ability to contribute in the passing game and protect the quarterback aligns with this goal.
Scheme Fit: McDaniels’ offense thrives on versatile backs, and Henderson’s pass-catching and blocking skills make him a plug-and-play option for third-down situations.
Best Player Available: Despite needs at other positions, the Patriots valued Henderson’s elite talent and upside, opting for a high-impact player over positional need.
National Buzz and Scouting Reports
The national media has largely praised the Henderson pick, with some calling it an “A++ pick” for its potential to transform New England’s offense. Analysts highlight his “electric running style” and ability to scare defenses with every touch. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Henderson as his 32nd overall prospect, while an NFL personnel director described him as “one of the most exciting players in the draft and a very clean prospect.”
However, some critics argue that the Patriots could have targeted a wide receiver or pass rusher, given the depth of those positions in the draft. The decision to prioritize Henderson reflects confidence in his ability to elevate the offense immediately.
Future Outlook
TreVeyon Henderson has the potential to be a cornerstone of the Patriots’ offense for years to come. His combination of speed, receiving ability, and pass protection makes him a rare three-down threat in today’s NFL. If he can stay healthy and adapt to the professional level, he could emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber player and a fan favorite in Foxborough.
For Patriots fans, Henderson represents hope for a revitalized offense. His ability to break open games with big plays and protect the quarterback will be critical as New England aims to return to playoff contention. As Henderson steps into the “Foxborough Fold,” all eyes will be on how he translates his electrifying college tape to the NFL stage.