The New England Patriots added a dynamic weapon in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting running back TreVeyon Henderson with the No. 38 overall pick.
The Ohio State product brings game-breaking potential to a team looking for playmakers, and his connection to head coach Mike Vrabel’s alma mater adds an interesting storyline.
Henderson’s skills impressed scouts across the league, with Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard singling out an aspect of his game that rarely translates so quickly from college to the NFL.
“Any running back coming into our league, the hardest thing for them is pass protection. … I thought Henderson at Ohio State might have been as good a pass-protection back as I’ve seen come out of college. But most of them are just not asked to do it at the level we are asking our guys to do it, especially with the size of the men they have to block, that are coming at ’em,” Ballard said, via Savage Sports.
Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson getting praise from the Colts GM:
"might've been as good a pass-protection back as I've seen coming out of college."
This kid is gonna be legit.
— Savage (@SavageSports_) April 28, 2025
At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Henderson backed up his reputation by clocking a 4.43-second 40-yard dash.
At 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds, he brings a slightly smaller frame but tremendous explosiveness to the Patriots’ backfield.
Henderson played a key role in Ohio State’s national championship run in 2024, posting remarkable efficiency with 7.1 yards per carry.
Despite sharing touches with Quinshon Judkins (who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns two picks earlier), Henderson still managed to post 1,016 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 144 carries.
Henderson joins a New England backfield that includes Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson and Terrell Jennings.
The rookie’s versatility should allow him to compete for snaps immediately, potentially serving as both an early-down option and a third-down specialist.
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