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Julian Edelman Draws Bold Patriots Rookie Comparison to Franchise Great

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Douglas Santo | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 12:27 PM ET

Former New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman attended practice this week to see what the new-look Patriots looked like under head coach Mike Vrabel and the many additions made this offseason.

As Edelman watched practice, one player stood out and reminded him of one of the great players he played with in New England. Edelman played 11 years in the NFL, all with the Patriots, and won three Super Bowls and earned Super Bowl LIII MVP.

Edelman played with Patriots' running back James White for the final seven years of his career. White was an all-purpose back that was heavily used out of the backfield in New England, and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.

The former Patriots' running back's most notable play came as the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons in New England's 25-point comeback win of Super Bowl LI.

White retired in 2021 and the Patriots have had a bunch of different backs rotating in the backfield since. New England drafted Ohio State running back Treveyon Henderson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Edelman was impressed with the rookie and even saw a bit of White in Henderson from watching him at practice.

"The Henderson kid out of the backfield looked very good. Second round pick out of Ohio State. Had a couple big plays. Looked smart. Looks hungry," Edelman said. "He's taller, but he can do a lot of that stuff," Edelman said. "He's taller than (White) or a (Shane) Vereen."

TreVeyon Henderson has been absolutely CARVING up the Patriots defense.

The Patriots rookie RB is reportedly “well on his way” to becoming the team’s RB1 pic.twitter.com/j78Db3KDam
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 5, 2025

White was 5-foot-10, 205 pounds in his playing days, and Henderson comes into his rookie season at 5-foot-11, 202 pounds. The two backs have very similar sizes, and Henderson has put a highlight reel together of his pass-catching ability out of the backfield throughout training camp.

White was never a league-leader in any category, and didn't earn any league accolades throughout his career. However, the former Patriots' running back made a huge impact on the Patriots' dynasty, and became a Super Bowl hero.

Henderson has a lot of expectation and excitement around him after being a high draft pick, and has already added to that with his impressive camp. The rookie running back can become the next great Patriots' backfield weapon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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