The New England Patriots spent resources in the draft on the running back position. They drafted TreVeyon Henderson from Ohio State in the second round with pick No. 38. It was a significant investment.
They also added a pass-catcher in Lan Larision on a hefty undrafted free agency deal. Yet, for current purposes, the running back room consists of only three running backs: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, and Henderson.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has ranked the Patriots' backfield among the top 32 in the NFL, and the results are a bit surprising.
PFF the Patriots starting running backs low in the NFL's top 32
TreVeyon Henderson is PFF's top rated Patriots back
Interestingly, rookie TreVeyon Henderson gets the Patriots' highest rating and makes the NFL's top 32 backs for 2025 at position No. 28. It's a nice tip of the cap to Henderson and Mike Vrabel before the rookie has even taken an NFL snap.
"Henderson was Quinshon Judkins’ teammate at Ohio State for the team's 2024 national championship campaign. He was the speed element of the duo, earning PFF rushing grades of 90.0 and 88.4 in the past two seasons, respectively. He also recorded more than 220 receiving yards in each of 2023 and 2024."
If Henderson does what he can do, he'll be a tremendous asset to the rebuilt Patriots' offense. Not only is he an explosive runner, with "take-it-to-the-house" potential on every carry, but there's lots more. Henderson can also catch the ball out of the backfield. He's a three-down back for certain.
In addition, Henderson has a trait that NFL insiders and those in the know appreciate: he's not just a good, but a terrific blocker in pass-protection. That's a little-appreciated but extremely valuable asset to any offense, and to the quarterback specifically.
Rhamondre Stevenson gets PFF's No. 29 ranking
Next on the list at PFF's No. 29 spot is veteran Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson is a proven NFL back with a thousand-yard season under his belt. He's been a contributor to the Patriots since being drafted in the fourth round in 2021, and he's a very good back at his best.
Stevenson garnered 1,040 yards in 2022 but hasn't approached that since. Injuries have been an issue, but when healthy, he's a solid NFL back. In 2024, however, the fumble bug bit him, and he lost possession of the ball seven times. That type of stat can get you a ticket out of town fast. He'll be working on ball handling and ball protection.
"Stevenson has generated 0.36 PFF WAR over the past three seasons, good for 18th in the league. His 70.3 PFF rushing grade in 2024 was a career high, and it came behind the NFL's worst offensive line."
Several factors will contribute to an improved running game in 2025. Mike Vrabel has significantly upgraded his offensive line. He's also added better receivers to add balance to the offense. And, with Henderson's explosiveness, the running game will be feared as it hasn't been since Dion Lewis.
PFF rated two Patriots in the top 32, not a bad situation. If things fall into place for Drake Maye's offense, those ratings could be significantly better in 2026. This is no longer the 2024 lackluster Patriots' offense. Expect performance, points, wins, and a playoff berth when all is said and done.