Perhaps one of the most critical aspects for the Patriots to address this offseason was building a competent (if not better) offense around Drake Maye to ensure the roster was in much better hands than it was just one year ago. Luckily, they had the most cap space to utilize in free agency, which they did so handsomely, and coveted draft positioning that allowed them to get some of the best players of this year's class.
The expectation was they would focus on the offense in the early rounds, which they did, starting with left tackle Will Campbell. They then shocked the NFL world by surprisingly selecting Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson in Round 2, which is already proving to have been one of the best decisions of the new regime.
Although the backfield didn't look like a group that needed much improvement, with Rhamondre Stevenson leading the way and Antonio Gibson behind him, passing on an explosive player like Henderson would've been a colossal mistake.
He's already making a name for himself at training camp and continues to be one of the best players consistently during practice, looking well on his way to becoming a superstar for the Patriots well before the season even begins.
TreVeyon Henderson is looking every bit worth the Patriots bypassing other players in the 2025 NFL Draft
Over the first two weeks of training camp, the rookie has consistently impressed with his natural abilities on the football field. He's showcased his incredible running skills, and his shifty tendencies will inevitably make him difficult for defenses to prepare for. However, that's not the only astonishing thing he's done.
Henderson has also become a big part of the passing game, which is a significant reason why Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf liked him coming into the draft.
He appears to have already built a chemistry with Maye, which was on full display during Monday's practice.
Rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson with a pair of early highlights on Monday connecting on two touchdowns from Drake Maye down the left sideline.
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) August 4, 2025
Credits OC Josh McDaniels for continuing to find ways to get him in space. pic.twitter.com/stQaESSpfd
It's exactly the kind of development the Patriots were hoping for from the rookie class, and it couldn't be happening with a better group than the offense.
It's crucial they hit their picks out of the park after a rough few years with more misses in the draft, and Henderson is well on his way to establishing his invaluable role in the Patriots' backfield.
He's already impressing his teammates, too, like Stevenson, who couldn't help but emphasize just how fast Henderson can move. That's something that had been lacking among the Patriots running backs, but won't be an issue for the team moving forward.
Rhamondre Stevenson on TreVeyon Henderson and the difficulties he presents defenders in coverage:
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 4, 2025
“They better be able to move ‘cause he’s fast.” pic.twitter.com/AjILxEPTv9
The backfield has the potential to be among the best in the league now that Henderson has joined the roster, and it could be even better if they have UDFA Lan Larison make the final cut, too.
The undrafted rookie stole the show on multiple occasions during spring practices. If that can continue, the Patriots would have a dynamic backfield with endless opportunities for Josh McDaniels to create magic this upcoming season.
Henderson will easily be a big part of whatever the offense does, and he adds an exciting element to an already noteworthy group. It would be even better if he could become the team's next best offensive weapon, too, especially since he can grow and develop along with Maye for the foreseeable future.