The New England Patriots made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson with the 38th overall pick. Football analysts quickly drew parallels between Henderson and Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs, whose explosive play and $17.8 million rookie deal have redefined backfield expectations in today’s NFL.
Henderson brings an impressive resume to Foxborough. At Ohio State, he had 3,761 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns, ranking fourth in program history for both categories. His final season showcased his talent, with 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 7.1 yards per carry as team captain during the Buckeyes’ national championship run.
TreVeyon Henderson to New England; Who’s His NFL Comp?
New England’s selection positions Henderson as a complement to Rhamondre Stevenson in the Patriots’ backfield. With elite 4.3 speed and remarkable lateral quickness, Henderson offers the explosive element modern NFL offenses demand.
Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson can be to an NFL backfield something similar to what Jahmyr Gibbs is to the Lions. #nfl #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/Xp7He1DaSj
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 16, 2025
Todd McShay highlighted these qualities in pre-draft analysis of his plays, noting, “I just can’t stop thinking about TreVeyon Henderson in the Jahmyr Gibbs-type role in the NFL. Watch how damn light on his feet he is at 202 pounds. That stutter step, right? Wait for it, wait for it, then the ability to go. So explosive up the field.”
Henderson’s 853 receiving yards and six touchdown catches further enhance his value. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein praised his versatility.
“He might be the best pass-protecting running back in this draft and is more than capable as a pass-catcher. Henderson isn’t Jahmyr Gibbs, but he can operate in a similar role for teams looking to add a more dynamic player to their running back room.”
His projected four-year, $11.13 million rookie contract represents solid value compared to Gibbs’ $17.8 million deal.
CBS Sports gave the selection a “B+” grade, noting that “Henderson is looked at as one of the more explosive backs in this class, which will be a welcome sight for a New England offense that has been lacking game-breaking talent.”
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Fan reactions have been mixed across social media. While some embrace the Gibbs comparison, others remain skeptical. One fan noted, “Love the Gibbs comparison. He could end up being the best back in this class,” while critics countered Todd’s analysis, saying, “This is a poor take—I don’t see Gibbs’ speed/explosiveness at ALL with Henderson.”
As Henderson joins Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, his skills as a pass catcher and protector should make him valuable in Josh McDaniels’ offense, potentially filling roles similar to Patriots legends Kevin Faulk and James White while providing both immediate impact and long-term potential.
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