Inside Patriots training camp: Can rookie playmaker awake into a mismatch nightmare?

It’s only training camp, but excitement is brewing around New England Patriots second round pick TreVeyon Henderson who has the talent and opportunity to be a special force in the team’ offensive plans.

Chosen with the No. 38 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product   brings his dynamic skills to a Patriots’ offense that is looking to be more explosive.   Joining Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in the backfield, the 5-foot-10, 202-pound Henderson has an opportunity to be a more dynamic vision of former dual-threat backs Patriots fans are familiar with.

TreVeyon Henderson adds an element the Patriots have been missing

With the return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the rookie running back could excel as another weapon for Drake Maye in the same fashion former players like Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen and James White were used as outlets for Patriots legend Tom Brady.  But, as effective as those players were as pass catchers, they didn’t bring the impact Henderson can bring to the game anytime he touches the ball.

Just imagine Maye with this type of option in his weaponry:

Whether its dump downs, screens or wheel routs, the Patriots will get the ball in Henderson’s hands but also expect them to utilize his route running ability down the field and find ways for him to create mismatches all over the field.

Ohio State product could be very special in Patriots' offense

Could Henderson find success as a receiver in the Patriots’ offense in a similar fashion as Christian McCaffrey?  With McDaniels calling plays, it’s highly probably the second-round pick will be one of the more explosive rookies in the NFL in 2025 especially with his ability to juke defenders in open space, which he is already showing in training camp. 

While he has some work to do in learning the playbook, Henderson is excited about growing into a mismatch nightmare in the NFL.

“I feel like I always had that ability, but I didn’t get too many opportunities to really excel at that position [in college], you know, flexing outside.  I’m just thankful that they’re giving me the opportunity to showcase that, and I’m just trying to continue to work at it,” Henderson said, via the team’s official site.  “Coach McDaniels loves to get the playmakers out into space.  I feel like that’s one of the strengths of my game, getting out into space into those one-on-one matchups.”

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As the Patriots’ offense aim to get back to utilizing the strengths of the talent on the field, a player like Henderson will have the chance to be a difference maker no matter where he lines up on the field.  He should be an instant favorite of McDaniels, a security blanket and consistent target for Maye and a electric force Patriots fandom is going to love.