This New England Patriots rookie continues to earn rave reviews.
The New England Patriots are stealing the spotlight in the 2025 NFL season, not only due to their bold roster overhaul but also because of the emergence of promising rookies. Among them, running back TreVeyon Henderson – the Patriots’ second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft – continues to ignite excitement with audacious predictions about his potential.
A Promising Rookie
TreVeyon Henderson, the former Ohio State Buckeyes star, has quickly made his mark since the start of the Patriots’ rookie minicamp. Despite missing the first practice session on Friday, Henderson returned with a bang on Saturday, showcasing his speed, agility, and impressive ball-handling skills. These qualities have earned him praise from analysts and former players alike, with some even making “bold” predictions about his NFL future.
In a recent Sports Illustrated analysis, Henderson was compared to Aaron Jones, the standout running back for the Minnesota Vikings, known for his versatile playing style. However, what truly set fans abuzz was a statement from The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman on the This is Football podcast. Feldman boldly claimed that Henderson could not only surpass Ashton Jeanty – the running back selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders – but might even emerge as the best running back from the 2025 draft class. “I think TreVeyon Henderson is incredibly dynamic and explosive,” Feldman said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up being the best running back in this group.”
The Allure of Versatility
What makes Henderson the subject of such lofty predictions? The answer lies in his all-around skill set. Not only does he possess the speed and explosiveness to produce long, game-changing runs (home-run carries), but Henderson is also regarded as one of the best running backs in pass protection. NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah praised him as “one of the best pass-protecting running backs I’ve ever evaluated.” Even Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard acknowledged that Henderson might be the top running back in this area among college prospects transitioning to the pros.
Henderson’s pass-catching ability is another standout trait. He’s been likened to legendary Patriots third-down backs like Kevin Faulk and James White, who defined the team’s versatile offensive approach. On the Next Pats Podcast, former Patriots running back James White called Henderson a “home run pick,” emphasizing his blocking and explosive playmaking in critical situations. “He can block, catch, and run,” White noted. “Henderson is the best pass-protecting running back in the country.”
Championship Mentality
Henderson brings more than just skills to the table – he carries the mindset of a champion. In the 2024 season, he played a pivotal role in helping Ohio State win the NCAA national championship, even while sharing carries with another standout, Quinshon Judkins. With 1,016 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns that season, Henderson proved he could shine in a star-studded lineup. Ohio State’s running backs coach, Carlos Locklyn, had high praise for him: “I’ve coached a lot of running backs in my career, but TreVeyon is the best leader I’ve ever worked with.”
Henderson’s confidence is evident in his statements about his NFL aspirations. When asked about his role with the Patriots, he declared, “I’m great in one-on-one situations. Pass-catching, pass-blocking – I can pretty much do it all.” For a team like the Patriots, where the versatility of running backs has always been a cornerstone of their offensive strategy, Henderson seems like the perfect fit.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the high expectations, Henderson faces significant challenges. He’ll compete for playing time with veteran running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, both of whom have established roles in the Patriots’ backfield. However, with unwavering support from the coaching staff – particularly executive director of player personnel Eliot Wolf, who revealed that Henderson was a unanimous choice in the draft war room – Henderson appears poised to become a key piece of the Patriots’ future. Wolf emphasized, “We had spirited debates, but in the end, no one objected to drafting TreVeyon.”
Moreover, the NFL presents a steeper challenge than college football, especially in high-pressure pass-protection scenarios. Still, Henderson’s skill set and work ethic suggest he’s ready to meet these demands head-on.