The New England Patriots made a stunning move in the 2025 NFL Draft by holding firm at the No. 38 pick in the second round to select running back TreVeyon Henderson from Ohio State, despite receiving compelling trade offers from other teams. This decision, highlighted in the first episode of the Patriots’ “Forged in Foxborough” series, underscores the confidence and strategic vision of the team’s leadership under Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf and new head coach Mike Vrabel.
A Controversial Choice
Selecting a running back in the second round is often a polarizing decision in today’s NFL, where the position is frequently undervalued compared to roles like quarterback, offensive tackle, or wide receiver. Nevertheless, the Patriots placed significant faith in Henderson, one of the top running backs in this year’s draft class. With his speed, balance through contact, and versatility in the run game, Henderson has drawn comparisons to Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs. During his college career at Ohio State, he never fumbled the ball and averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry, showcasing his explosive potential.
The Patriots identified Henderson as a key target to support their young quarterback, Drake Maye, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 draft. Adding a dynamic running back like Henderson is expected to diversify the team’s offensive approach while alleviating pressure on Maye in the 2025 season.
Trade Offers Turned Down
According to reports, the Patriots received at least two notable trade offers for the No. 38 pick. The first came from the Chicago Bears, who proposed swapping their No. 39 pick along with a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft. This offer was relatively modest, and the Patriots swiftly declined, likely viewing Henderson’s value as far exceeding the Bears’ proposal.
The second offer, reportedly from the Houston Texans, was far more enticing. The Texans were willing to part with their No. 58 and No. 79 picks in the 2025 draft, plus a third-round pick in the 2026 draft, in exchange for No. 38. This package represented significant draft capital, which could have allowed the Patriots to address other roster needs. However, after careful deliberation, the Patriots’ draft room, led by Eliot Wolf, opted to stay put and secure Henderson.
In a recorded conversation, head coach Mike Vrabel asked Wolf, “How do we feel about pick 69? I mean, maybe one of the receivers we like? Or Henderson?” This exchange reveals that the Patriots carefully weighed the option of trading down to select other talented players but ultimately believed Henderson was an irreplaceable piece.
A Long-Term Vision for the Offense
The decision to reject trade offers highlights the Patriots’ commitment to building their offense around Drake Maye while creating a versatile and explosive unit. Henderson, with his ability to make game-changing plays and potential to be an all-purpose weapon, is expected to become the Patriots’ primary running back in his rookie season. The combination of Henderson, Maye, and other offensive additions like Kyle Williams (selected in the third round) and Will Campbell (No. 4 overall in the first round) promises to give the Patriots’ offense a fresh identity.
Moreover, the Patriots’ 2025 draft strategy reflects alignment between Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel in building a diverse running back group. Henderson’s addition not only strengthens the ground game but also provides stability to an offense that allowed 52 sacks in the 2024 season.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The selection of Henderson and the decision to pass on trade offers have sparked heated discussions among fans and analysts. Some argue that the Patriots missed an opportunity to accumulate additional draft capital to address needs at positions like offensive tackle or wide receiver. Others, however, support the move, viewing Henderson as a rare talent capable of transforming games and serving as an ideal complement to Drake Maye’s development.
Conclusion
By turning down attractive trade offers to draft TreVeyon Henderson, the New England Patriots sent a clear message: they are confident in their long-term vision and willing to bet on young talent to build a formidable offense around Drake Maye. Whether Henderson can live up to his potential and help the Patriots return to their glory days remains to be seen, but this bold decision will undoubtedly be a focal point as the 2025 season kicks off.