Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots added no top players at the NFL trade deadline to help fuel their playoff run. That was a puzzling development. Yet, a national analyst has singled out one Patriots player, running back TreVeyon Henderson, whom they feel could be a big beneficiary of that deadline's inactivity.
TreVeyon Henderson of Ohio State came aboard as Mike Vrabel's second-ever Patriots' draft pick in the 2025 second round. It was a massive investment in a player many observers thought could add a missing element, explosiveness, to a lackluster Patriots' backfield.
The top returnees were fumbling Rhamondre Stevenson, who had as many fumbles as touchdowns (seven) in 2024, and all-purpose back, Antonio Gibson. Gibson is now out for the season with an ACL injury, and Stevenson has a toe issue.
Thus, all signs now point to Henderson assuming the No. 1 back role.
Bleacher Report now sees TreVeyon Henderson as a breakout candidate
In an article outlining winners and losers after the trade deadline for every NFL team, Bleacher Report cited a Patriots running back among the winners. (The Patriots' pass rush depth was their loser!)
"TreVeyon Henderson could break out in the second half of the season. Rhamondre Stevenson is dealing with a toe injury that sidelined him in Week 9, which left Henderson and Terrell Jennings to split touches out of the backfield.
Despite showing electric playmaking ability in the preseason, Henderson has yet to showcase his capability in a signature regular-season performance. However, considering the New England Patriots didn't add a running back while Stevenson recovers from injury, the rookie second-rounder could be in line for more touches in the coming weeks."
It's no secret that Henderson can make good things happen with the ball in his hands. Unfortunately, the Patriots' offensive line hasn't opened enough holes for him to get him in space to show what he can do. When it has, it's clear he's a touchdown waiting to happen. But he's only had 67 rushes for 283 yards in the first nine games with a solid 4.2 yards per carry average. That's far too few carries.
It's TreVeyon Henderson's time to seize the moment
Whether the Patriots should or shouldn't have added a running back at the trade deadline (the thought is they should) is a moot point. Henderson is now the lead back, and he has his best chance to claim the top back role with Stevenson hindered and possibly on the shelf.
Henderson was drafted to add electricity to a Patriots backfield that lacked top speed. He can take a ball to the house wherever he has it in his hands. Opposing defensive coordinators will now have to game-plan for his speed and explosiveness or face the consequences.
Running backs need carries and a lot of them to get warmed up and into a rhythm. Too often after a big play, Patriots running backs and wide receivers are pulled off the field ostensibly to give them a breather. Whatever the rationale, it's counterproductive. When they're getting into a groove, both want the ball and need to get it into their hands. They never do enough with the Patriots.
The most crucial thing MVP candidate, quarterback Drake Maye, needs after more time to throw is a running game to take pressure off his one-dimensional offense. TreVeyon Henderson now has a chance to seize that role and never give it up. If he can elevate his game, the Patriots will keep winning and head to the playoffs. Hopefully, he'll take full advantage of this golden opportunity.