TreVeyon Henderson, selected by the New England Patriots with the 38th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has been hailed as a favorite pick by analysts and fans alike due to his electrifying skill set, cultural fit, and potential to transform the Patriots’ offense. Below is a detailed breakdown of why Henderson stands out as a standout selection, drawing from his on-field attributes, the Patriots’ strategic needs, and reactions from experts and the team itself.
Explosive Playmaking Ability
Henderson’s defining trait is his ability to turn any touch into a game-changing play, a quality the Patriots desperately needed to bolster their offense, which ranked 30th in scoring (17.0 points per game) in 2024. At 5-foot-10 and 202 pounds, Henderson combines elite speed (4.43-second 40-yard dash, 84th percentile) with exceptional acceleration and vision, making him a “home-run threat” capable of destroying pursuit angles in the open field. His 2024 season at Ohio State showcased this, as he averaged 7.1 yards per carry for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns, while adding 27 receptions for 284 yards and a touchdown.
Notable highlights include long runs of 66 yards against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, 68 yards against Texas in the regular season, and 75 yards in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Texas, demonstrating his knack for explosive plays. His 22.1% rate of carries gaining 10-plus yards last season underscores his big-play potential, a critical addition to a Patriots backfield seeking speed to complement the bruising style of Rhamondre Stevenson and the versatility of Antonio Gibson.
NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah praised Henderson as “one of the best pass-protecting running backs” he’s ever evaluated, highlighting his rare combination of speed, toughness, and reliability. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users like @JoshNorris calling him a player who “changes the fabric of an offense” due to his explosiveness and “unreal pass protection.”
Versatility as a Three-Down Back
Henderson’s value extends beyond his rushing prowess. His advanced route-running and pass-protection skills make him a true three-down back, capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. He recorded 77 receptions for 853 yards and six touchdowns over his Ohio State career, showcasing soft hands and dynamic ability on option routes. His pass-protection prowess, honed through rigorous practice at Ohio State, was evident in his blitz pickup clips, earning high praise for his ability to deliver “thunderbolts” into defenders.
This versatility aligns perfectly with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ system, which values backs who can contribute in the passing game and protect the quarterback. Henderson’s ability to stay on the field in passing situations ensures he can be a reliable option for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, enhancing the Patriots’ offensive flexibility. An NFL coach cited by ESPN rated Henderson as the best sub-back in the draft for his pass-catching and kickoff return potential, further underscoring his multifaceted skill set.
His ball security is another asset, with only two fumbles across four college seasons, a stark contrast to the Patriots’ need for reliability in high-stakes situations. Henderson himself emphasized this, noting that Ohio State’s emphasis on ball security drilled into him the importance of protecting the football to stay on the field.
Cultural Fit and Character
Beyond his on-field contributions, Henderson’s character and leadership make him a favorite pick for a Patriots team undergoing a cultural rebuild under head coach Mike Vrabel. As a team captain for Ohio State’s 2024 National Championship squad, Henderson brings a high-character presence to the locker room. He expressed excitement about joining Vrabel’s efforts to reshape the Patriots’ culture, stating, “He’s trying to rebuild the culture there, and I’m excited to be a part of what he’s looking to accomplish.”
The Patriots’ strong Ohio State connections, including Vrabel, Vice President of Football Operations John Streicher, Director of College Scouting Cam Williams, and offensive assistant Riley Larkin, likely played a role in their confidence in Henderson. His familiarity with a winning program and his resilience through personal challenges, including overcoming suicidal thoughts and depression, add depth to his profile as a player who can handle the pressures of the NFL.
Strategic Fit for the Patriots’ Offense
The Patriots entered the 2025 draft with a clear mandate to support Drake Maye, their franchise quarterback selected third overall in 2024. After addressing the left tackle position with LSU’s Will Campbell at No. 4 overall, the selection of Henderson at No. 38 was a bold move to add a dynamic skill player. EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf emphasized the team’s focus on adding explosive playmakers, noting that Henderson’s speed and big-play ability addressed a critical need.
While some questioned the decision to prioritize a running back over a wide receiver, especially with talents like Luther Burden III still available, the Patriots’ choice reflects their belief in Henderson’s unique upside. The running back class was deep, but Henderson was widely regarded as one of the top options remaining, with a consensus ranking of No. 32 on some boards and No. 46 on Dane Brugler’s top 300. His ability to complement Stevenson and Gibson creates a “potentially potent three-headed attack,” as described by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, offering a diverse backfield that can exploit defenses in multiple ways.
Analysts like Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston gave the pick an A- grade, citing Henderson’s fit as a “dynamic weapon” for Maye’s offense, while Pats Pulpit’s Bernd Buchmasser awarded a B+ for his talent and complementary role. Posts on X from @RGIII called it an “A++ pick” for Maye’s development, emphasizing Henderson’s ability to scare defenses and add scoring punch.
Addressing the Criticism
The selection wasn’t without detractors. Some analysts, like Sara Marshall of Musket Fire, argued that picking a running back at No. 38 was premature given the Patriots’ greater need at wide receiver and uncertainty at left guard. The decision to pass on Burden, who went to the Chicago Bears with the next pick, raised questions about whether the Patriots missed a chance to address a more pressing need. Others noted that the deep running back class might have allowed the Patriots to target a similar player later, freeing up the pick for another position.
However, the Patriots’ minimal pre-draft contact with Henderson—one Zoom meeting with running backs coach Tony Dews and no in-person meetings at the Combine or Pro Day—suggests they relied heavily on their scouting and Ohio State connections to make the call. Henderson himself admitted to being “shocked” by the selection, underscoring the Patriots’ confidence in his fit despite limited direct interaction.
Why He’s a Fan and Analyst Favorite
Henderson’s selection resonates as a favorite for several reasons:
Instant Impact Potential: His speed, pass protection, and receiving skills ensure he can contribute immediately as a change-of-pace back, third-down option, and potential kickoff returner.
Offensive Transformation: He addresses the Patriots’ need for explosiveness, adding a dimension absent from their 2024 offense.
High Upside: At 22, Henderson’s combination of athleticism and intangibles offers long-term potential, even if he’s not a bellcow back.
Fan Excitement: Posts on X, such as @Schultz_Report calling him “one of the most exciting players in the draft,” reflect the enthusiasm for his “freak of nature” abilities.
Conclusion
TreVeyon Henderson’s selection as the Patriots’ second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is a favorite due to his electrifying playmaking, versatility, and alignment with the team’s cultural and strategic goals. While some debate the positional value of a running back at No. 38, his ability to complement Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, protect Drake Maye, and inject speed into a sluggish offense makes him a pivotal addition. His leadership as a national champion and resilience through personal adversity further solidify his appeal as a player who can help redefine the Patriots’ identity. As analysts and fans celebrate his potential to “change the fabric” of the offense, Henderson stands out as a high-upside pick poised to make an immediate impact in New England.