
Henderson has made an impact as a pass catcher in training camp.
A contingent of former Ohio State alumni inside the New England Patriots front office and coaching staff were quite thrilled when they landed Buckeye running back TreVeyon Henderson atop the second-round in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But while Josh McDaniels may not have never dawned Buckeye colors and instead attended college two hours up I-71 North from Ohio Stadium, you can count the offensive coordinator as one who was just as excited in the selection.
With the addition of Henderson, a Patriots offense that lacked big-play potential in recent years received an immediate spark in the back and his 4.43-second 40-yard speed. Now, it’s up to McDaniels to figure out how to unlock the dual-threat back.
“I’m trying to be the best player that I can be every practice and trying to earn my role on this team,” Henderson said Saturday. “I’m just excited with this staff, Coach McDaniels — see how he wants me to play a role on this offense. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
One thing for certain: McDaniels will do his part to get his speedy playmaker out in space.
“I think Coach McDaniel’s biggest thing: He loves to get the playmakers out in the space,” Henderson said. “And so I feel like that’s one of my strengths at my game, getting out in the space in those one-on-one matchups.”
Throughout the early stages of training camp, McDaniels has done just that with his rookie back. In the non-padded sessions, Henderson has made his biggest impact as a pass catcher out of the backfield from both outside the numbers and in the screen game.
On one of the final plays in competitive team work on Saturday, Henderson finally found that one-on-one matchup flexed outside the numbers. A quick stutter-and-go left the opposing linebacker in the dust and a wide-open Henderson hauled in a would-be touchdown down the left sideline.
“I feel like I always had the 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 and get better,” Henderson said.
In addition to his work with Drake Maye on offense, New England has been using Henderson’s speed to their advantage of special teams — with the back a consistent member in the kick returner group. While the new rules will lead to an adjustment, it’s another area his skillset could shin.
“For sure,” Henderson responded when asked if he could succeed at the position in the pros. “It’s going well. I know the rules are different. I’m still trying to work on that as well, returning those kicks, fielding those kicks. Got to continue to get better at that.”