Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) celebrates scoring a 41-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of the NCAA Division I football game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Penn State Nittany Lions

New England Patriots 'Explosive' Rookie Named One to Watch Across NFL

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated May 12, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The New England Patriots Seem to understand what it takes to help quarterback Drake Maye take a major leap in 2025.

Beyond signing veteran playmaker Stefon Diggs to drop into Maye’s receiving corps and then doubling down at the position by selecting savvy route runner Kyle Williams in the second round to pair opposite Diggs, New England landed a potentially prolific running back to drop into the backfield alongside last spring’s No. 3 overall selection.

Former Ohio State star TreVeyon Henderson has the potential to be a focal point of the Patriots’ offense immediately, and the kind of player who makes Maye’s life significantly easier.

New England Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson a Top Rookie to Watch

In coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense, and in a scheme designed not to put too much of the workload on Maye’s shoulders, Henderson could make an instant impact.

ESPN’s Field Yates put together a list of the top rookies not chosen in the first round, including Henderson, as players to watch this fall.

“Henderson is one of the most explosive players in the rookie class,” Yates writes for ESPN . “And he will be a big-time factor on third down in New England because of his pass-catching and pass-protecting traits. He provided the lightning to Judkins’ thunder for Ohio State last season, and I see a similar profile with the Patriots. Henderson could complement Rhamondre Stevenson well in New England. He provides instant offense as a runner and receiver.”

Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

During his final season in Columbus, Henderson rushed for 1,016 yards with 10 touchdowns, while averaging 7.1 yards per carry, so it’s easy to see why head coach Mike Vrabel and McDaniels would be optimistic about his potential impact on Maye’s development.

The Patriots have been hyperaggressive building around Maye this offseason, and could be poised to make their way out of the AFC East cellar, especially if Maye makes a leap. Henderson could play a big role in accomplishing both goals.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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