The Patriots haven't had a true elite running back since Corey Dillon was in New England in 2004. Still, during the team's 20-year run of success, they were blessed with multitudes of versatile backs who routinely gave defensive coordinators headaches.
Enter TreVeyon Henderson, who fits that mold perfectly, which is why the Patriots selected him 38th overall in this year's NFL draft. The team is optimistic he can be a better version of James White and Kevin Faulk, who are arguably the best pass-catching running backs in Patriots' history.
Henderson was known as a big-play threat at Ohio State, and that, coupled with his ability to pass-block, was why the Patriots ultimately snatched him at No. 38 overall when he fell to them. Rhamondre Stevenson appears penciled in as New England's lead back, but he doesn't have the speed or big-play capabilities that Henderson has.
TreVeyon Henderson's impacts will be felt throughout New England's offense
According to Bleacher Report's Brent Sobelski, Henderson will be one of the most impactful rookies who were not selected in the first round. The combination of Henderson's home-run threat capabilities and Josh McDaniels' ability to use running backs in his schemes is a considerable factor in that, and the Patriots will need Henderson to be a big-play guy if they're going to climb up the AFC.
Henderson has spent most of his first spring and summer in New England studying film of White, whom McDaniels frequently got into space in passing situations.
"[McDaniels] loves to get the playmakers out into space," Henderson said. "I feel like that's one of my strengths in my game, getting out into space in those 1-on-1 matchups."
Henderson is too talented for the Patriots not to utilize, especially in passing downs. It remains to be seen whether he'll cut into Stevenson's carries, but don't be surprised if that happens come the second half of the season.
The Patriots' offense hasn't been known for explosive plays the last few years, but a guy like Henderson can change that. He's one of many guys who were brought in to give Drake Maye the weapons he needed to continue to grow as a franchise quarterback. Henderson can not only provide Maye a security blanket, but also a big-play threat who will be a matchup nightmare when he gets the ball in space.
If Henderson can be the player the Patriots expect him to be, good things will happen for the team and its offense this season.