Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson Pick Sends Clear Message About Approach

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots are throwing caution to the wind when it comes to “maximizing value” in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Why not just get good players?

New England did exactly that with its first two selections this weekend, kicking things off by selecting offensive lineman Will Campbell at No. 4 and continuing with the selection of running back TreVeyon Henderson at No. 38. Can you seriously say either of those players are going to serve in “premium roles” throughout their tenure? No, but they’re damn talented and could very well find success if allowed to do what they do well.

Campbell was drafted to be the blindside protector for Drake Maye, but we’ve already explained that it’s extremely likely he needs to settle on the interior. Henderson is a running back, which means there are certain people who believe he shouldn’t have even been in consideration for that spot, but he has the talent to be an absolute stud in this system.

How?

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I appreciate you asking, so let’s go down memory lane and explain how some players just happen to fit in certain schemes!

Henderson’s value comes from the fact that he’s been built in a lab to play on passing downs, which is perfect considering he’s about work under Josh McDaniels.

McDaniels notoriously likes using multiple running backs in different roles, and the expectation should be that Henderson slides in to play the same passing-down role as the likes of Kevin Faulk, Danny Woodhead, Dion Lewis and James White. Do you remember those guys? Weren’t they fun!?

Henderson is explosive, breaking more long-yardage touchdowns than any other player in college football over the last three seasons. New England can also trust him in pass protection, which is something we haven’t been able to say about offensive linemen, let alone running backs, in recent seasons. Bill Belichick didn’t make this pick, but surely he’s somewhere smiling knowing that this dude will almost never fumble.

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I just described a potential game-changing offensive weapon, some people might just need to ignore the fact that he’s a running back.

More NFL Draft Patriots Betting Against History With Will Campbell Selection

The Patriots had an opportunity to make a run at someone who plays a more premium position, like wide receivers Luther Burden III, Jaylin Noel and Kyle Williams, or pass-rushers Donovan Ezeiruaku, Darius Alexander and Mike Green, but went with straight talent in a role that is proven in this system.

It’s good business, folks.

New England is taking players who conceivably can make a difference right away, and isn’t that what everyone has been asking for?

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