The Patriots made some big-time additions this offseason, particularly to the offensive line. Based on the coaching trends of HC Mike Vrabel and OC Josh McDaniels, that unit is crucial given their preference for running the ball. The Patriots neglected the running back room in free agency but had little issue in selecting TreVeyon Henderson in the second round to add to Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Despite the addition, PFF ranked the room 22nd in the league.
Now, this shouldn't come as a surprise, necessarily. Looking down the list of backs, we start with Stevenson. Despite a fantastic 2022 season, Rhamondre hasn't reached 1,000 rushing yards a second time in his career. Furthermore, he failed to reach 1,000 total yards in 2024 and led all running backs in fumbles.
Aside from a pair of solid outings against the Bengals and Seahawks to start the season, he showed little in terms of both efficiency and general effectiveness. I'd expect him to bounce back in some respects this season, but overall, I'm not certain he's the stud and full-time starter he once was.
Henderson was a very effective player at Ohio State, both on the ground and through the air. He was a contributor his whole career, eclipsing 1,000 yards on two occasions. In all, he totaled 48 rushing and receiving touchdowns in his four years.
Henderson is explosive and versatile, but to think he'll be an instant every-down contributor may be a bit too much to ask for out of the gates. I'd expect him to see plenty of snaps in the latter half of the season, but expecting too much from him early seems both unnecessary and uncharacteristic of Vrabel/McDaniels.
Gibson's first two years in Washington were highly effective, but he slowed down towards the end of his tenure. The Patriots signed him to be a third-down back last season, and he turned out to be one of their better pickups. Averaging 4.5 yards per carry for 538 rushing yards, he was solid on the ground. His 23 catches were a career low, but he added another 206 receiving yards to their stat sheet.
While the running back room isn't proven, it does have potential
PFF agrees with the sentiment that none of the players have truly proven themselves, saying they "possess an interesting unit, though none of the players in it have yet to prove they can handle a starter’s workload". Aside from the top three, the Patriots also roster Terrell Jennings, UDFA Lan Larison, and Trayveon Williams.
Jennings, 24, spent most of last season on the practice squad after an encouraging preseason. He played in three games in 2024, carrying the ball 13 times for 33 yards (2.5 YPC). The 2024 UDFA never rushed for more than 700 yards or had double-digit catches during his four years at Florida A&M.
Larison has become a popular candidate to emerge as a UDFA to make the roster after an incredible final season at UC Davis saw him total over 2,300 yards, with 847 of those yards coming in the air. He has also recorded 30 rushing touchdowns over the last two years. He'll have an uphill battle, but I'd give him the edge over the more experienced Jennings and Williams to this point.
Williams was signed in May as part of the camp competition. He had a successful career at Texas A&M, with 19 touchdowns in his final season, but the 27-year-old did not record any stats last year for the Bengals.
While the Patriots may not have a proven room, they have an interesting one. Stevenson will look to bounce back from his uncharacteristic 2024 season, Gibson will try to continue his efficiency, and rookies Henderson and Larison will aim to carve out as much of a role as they can for themselves. While it may not have the most proven players, the running back room could offer a lot in 2025, more than the traditional 22nd-ranked group usually does.