The New England Patriots may have found their next offensive x-factor in rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson. Selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Henderson is already turning heads at OTAs with his speed, vision, and, most notably, his versatility. With Josh McDaniels returning to Foxboro as offensive coordinator, Henderson is poised to be a central figure in what is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic offenses the Patriots have fielded in years.
McDaniels, known for his creative play design and penchant for maximizing hybrid talents, reportedly pushed for the team to draft Henderson, envisioning him as a “gadget player” capable of lining up all over the field. Whether taking handoffs, catching passes out of the backfield, or splitting out wide, Henderson brings a unique skill set that New England hasn’t had since the prime years of James White and Dion Lewis — and possibly even more explosiveness.
“TreVeyon is electric with the ball in his hands,” McDaniels said after practice on Monday. “We’re not going to limit him to just being a traditional running back. He’s going to be in motion, in the slot, on screens, jet sweeps — you name it. He’s a problem for defenses.”
At Ohio State, Henderson tallied over 3,000 all-purpose yards in three seasons, including 1,580 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns in his standout freshman year. A hamstring injury in 2023 slowed his college momentum, but he bounced back strong in 2024 and dazzled scouts with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
In New England, the opportunity is ripe. With veteran Rhamondre Stevenson expected to lead the ground attack, Henderson is being groomed as a complement rather than a workhorse — a perfect fit for McDaniels’ offensive philosophy. The Patriots have also lacked consistent big-play threats in recent years, and Henderson’s presence could finally open up the field for quarterback Drake Maye, who’s expected to battle for the starting job this summer.
“He’s a spark plug,” said head coach Jerod Mayo. “You can see the energy shift when he gets the ball. We’re excited to see what he can do once the pads come on.”
Early buzz from teammates and coaches alike suggests Henderson could see significant snaps from day one — particularly in third-down situations and red zone packages. He has already impressed with his route running, soft hands, and quick acceleration after the catch.
If Henderson continues to shine through training camp and the preseason, he could quickly become a household name in New England. And in McDaniels’ hands, the rookie might just become the weapon the Patriots have been missing since their last title run.
Stay tuned — because Foxboro’s newest gadget might just be the key to unlocking a new era of Patriots football.