New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was expected to be a versatile, complete back capable of excelling in both the rushing and passing games. Touted for his pass-protection skills coming out of Ohio State, Henderson was projected to be a key component of the Patriots’ offensive schemes. However, a critical flaw in his game has emerged early in his professional career, costing him valuable touches and playing time in the backfield.
Struggles in Pass Protection
Henderson’s pass protection, once considered a strength, has proven to be a significant liability in his rookie season. This issue was glaringly evident during the Patriots’ 33-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. According to CLNS Media president John Zannis, Henderson’s performance in pass protection was “brutal,” with mistakes that directly impacted the team’s ability to protect quarterback Drake Maye. Zannis noted that a player of Henderson’s pedigree should see an increase in usage as the season progresses, but his struggles are likely to result in fewer snaps.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/John_Zannis/status/1967635631548576070
One particularly costly mistake came when Henderson failed to chip Dolphins edge-rusher Chop Robinson, allowing Robinson to sack Maye. Highlighted by Underdog’s Hayden Winks, this lapse underscored Henderson’s difficulties in executing fundamental pass-protection assignments. Winks emphasized that such errors are already reducing Henderson’s workload, with veteran Antonio Gibson capitalizing on the opportunity to “steal touches” in the backfield.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/HaydenWinks/status/1967456715424817366
Henderson’s struggles weren’t limited to missing chips on edge rushers. He also failed to pick up a blitz from Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who easily bypassed a tentative Henderson to sack Maye. This “really bad rep,” as described by Michael Hurley, prompted The Athletic’s Chad Graff to highlight the surprising nature of Henderson’s struggles, given his reputation as a reliable pass-blocker in college.
Comparisons to a Patriots Legend
Coming out of college, Henderson drew comparisons to former Patriots great James White, a three-time Super Bowl winner known for his reliable hands and solid blocking as a third-down and sub-package back. However, Henderson has yet to live up to this billing. Unlike White, who earned his role through consistent performance in pass protection and receiving, Henderson’s early miscues have raised doubts about his ability to handle the demands of a multifaceted NFL running back.
Antonio Gibson Seizes the Opportunity
As Henderson falters, veteran Antonio Gibson has stepped up to fill the void. A former Washington Commanders starter, Gibson brings versatility to the Patriots’ backfield as a converted wide receiver with a proven track record on passing downs. His dynamic skill set was on full display during the Dolphins game, where he delivered a game-changing 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. This play not only showcased Gibson’s explosiveness but also earned praise from head coach Mike Vrabel, who emphasized the importance of players like Gibson being “weapons” for the team, per Patriots.com Staff Writer Evan Lazar.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/ChadGraff/status/1967299418153214272
Gibson’s ability to contribute both offensively and on special teams has strengthened his case for an expanded role. Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson, another holdover in the Patriots’ backfield, has also made significant contributions, further intensifying the competition for touches.
No Room for Rookie Mistakes
The Patriots are showing little patience for Henderson’s growing pains, a reflection of the team’s need to protect their would-be franchise quarterback, Drake Maye. With Henderson struggling to anticipate and counter defensive pressures, the coaching staff, led by Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, is prioritizing reliability in the backfield. If Henderson cannot improve his pass-protection skills, he risks losing even more opportunities to players like Gibson and Stevenson, who have proven capable of handling the responsibilities of a modern NFL running back.
Pressure to Adapt
For Henderson, the path forward is clear but challenging. At just 22 years old, he has the potential to develop into the complete back the Patriots envisioned when they drafted him. However, his current struggles in pass protection are a significant hurdle. To reclaim his role in the offense, Henderson must demonstrate marked improvement in reading defenses, executing blocks, and protecting Maye. Failure to do so could see him relegated to a limited role as the Patriots lean on their more experienced backs to drive the offense.
In a league where rookies are expected to adapt quickly, Henderson’s early struggles serve as a reminder of the steep learning curve at the professional level. With Gibson and Stevenson proving their worth, the pressure is on for Henderson to address his “brutal” issue and fulfill the promise that made him a high draft pick.