Since the New England Patriots selected TreVeyon Henderson 38th overall in 2025, expectations have been high for the rookie. After a National Championship-winning season last year, many believed he had what it took to be an immediate contributor, but even the biggest fans of Henderson couldn't have expected his preseason production.
On the opening play of their first matchup against the Commanders, he took a kickoff to the house, and took a toss play 18 yards in his lone carry. In Week 2 against the Vikings, he added another four carries for 20 yards to his resume and recorded his second touchdown of the preseason.
His touchdown was especially impressive: a 3rd & 4 from the Minnesota 8-yard line, he looked dead to the right before sneaking through the line and getting into the end zone.
TreVeyon Henderson could stand to improve in this category
Henderson's athleticism and ability with the ball in his hands are unquestionable. However, to be a three-down back, he will need to be a bigger contributor in the pass game. He had three catches for 12 yards across the preseason, but at Ohio State, he was more productive in this respect. Excluding his down sophomore year, he had 73 catches in three seasons.
As a pass protector, his compact build should help. He could chip college edge rushers, and at a solid 208 pounds, he can do so in the NFL, too.
There's little doubt he has the motivation to put in the work, especially when hearing what he had to say about his ambitions for his rookie season. He recently spoke to Chad Graff of The Athletic and emphasized what he's planning to continue working on for the 2025 season, with the focus being primarily on improving his performance as a receiver.
"That’s something I come to practice and try to get better at. Running routes out of the backfield, pass protection, every aspect of the game, I’m just trying to get better”.
There's no doubt he has all the potential and motivation to become a truly elite running back. With Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson rostered, I'd expect the OSU alum to be slow out of the gates, but keep an eye out for No. 32 as the season rolls on.