New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Patriots rookie can provide instant solution for Drake Maye

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 9:50 PM ET

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson could ensure second-year quarterback Drake Maye isn't running for his life this season.

Henderson, 22, ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. His blazing speed could be a massive asset for a Patriots team that may not be providing enough protection for Maye.

The Ohio State Buckeyes product returned a kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown in the Patriots' 48-18 opening preseason win over the Washington Commanders. He made another explosive play during Wednesday's joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings.

THE FIRST TIME HE TOUCHED THE BALL IN THE NFL!!!!@TreVeyonH4 | @NFL

: WBZ pic.twitter.com/NcT2a635nx
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 8, 2025

Per The Athletic's Chad Graff, Maye tossed a swing pass to a wide-open Henderson during a two-minute drill in the 11-on-11 period of practice. The RB turned the play into a 70-yard TD.

"[The Vikings] didn't account for him," Maye said of the TD pass to Henderson in a news conference after practice. "And I just tried to give him an easy ball to let him catch and run, and I think it's hard to catch him when he's in the open field."

The big play was one of few highlights for an offense that often failed to give Maye enough time to operate throughout Wednesday's practice. At one point, they had three consecutive plays that would've ended in a sack.

This offseason, the Patriots retooled their offensive line, which tied for the league's fifth-most sacks allowed (52) in 2024. They signed center Garrett Bradbury in free agency and took rookie left tackle Will Campbell (pick No. 4) in the NFL Draft. Despite the additions, the blockers need more time to jell.

Henderson racking up big catches in the passing game can force a defense to drop more defenders into pass coverage, taking pressure off Maye. That's pivotal for a team trying to help the former North Carolina star break out in 2025.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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