NFL comp for TreVeyon Henderson confirms Patriots really struck gold

The New England Patriots had a terrific offseason executed by Mike Vrabel. The overhaul changed about 50 percent of the team's roster. Yet, one of the most impactful additions was Vrabel's terrific second-round pick, TreVeyon Henderson, who's now drawing comparisons to another top NFL back, Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs.

Henderson's and Gibbs' rookie seasons after Week 8 are eerily similar. If Henderson can keep following the trajectory that Gibbs has had, he'll emerge as a 1000-yard running back annually and one of the NFL's top backs like Gibbs.

Henderson has been the Patriots' best rookie along with first-round pick Will Campbell. He'd been benched for most of the first nine games because of so-called deficiencies in pass-blocking. Finally, due to injuries, he got his opportunity, and he hasn't looked back. He's been phenomenal.

TreVeyon Henderson excelled despite a weak run-blocking O-line

Mike Vrabel went offensive left tackle with his fourth-overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft with Will Campbell. He stepped in from Day One and owned the position. Even though he missed several games due to injury, he was still Pro Football Focus's seventh-rated rookie.

Yet, it was TreVeyon Henderson who arguably has been the Patriots' most impactful rookie. He not only made the All-Rookie Team, but also broke four runs of more than 50 yards for touchdowns. He provided exactly what the Patriots needed: offensive explosiveness.

And now he's being compared to a top young NFL running back, Jahmyr Gibbs of the Lions.

TreVeyon Henderson's future potential is off the charts

While Henderson made the First-Team All-Rookie team and is a candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, his 2025 season's management left a lot to be desired. For eight of the first nine games of the season, he was basically bottled up on the bench because of pass-blocking issues.

When he finally got his opportunity, he excelled. He ran for daylight as expected and racked up 880 yards and nine touchdowns. All this was achieved while working with an offensive line that was a stopgap one that left a lot to be desired.

Not only did they surrender 47 sacks in the regular season (and another 5 against the Chargers in the playoffs), but they were also poor in run-blocking.

The imperative in the 2026 offseason is for Vrabel to further improve his decent but nothing more than that offensive line with top additions who can both pass and run-block. If he does, expect an even better 2026 season from TreVeyon Henderson. He'll easily achieve a 1000-yard season in 2026 as his comp, Jahmyr Gibbs, achieved in his next two seasons.