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Aidin Ebrahimi looks at the fantasy football outlook for rookie New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson in 2025. Where is Henderson worth drafting in fantasy leagues?
After decades of dominating the NFL, the Patriots finally crashed back down to earth in the 2020s. Cam Newton, Mac Jones, and Bailey Zappe were all tasked with bringing the Pats back to their glory days, but they all failed for various reasons.
Now, Drake Maye is the man who will have to deal with the pressure of reviving this sleeping giant. Throughout most of this period, Rhamondre Stevenson has been New England's RB1. He had a great 2022 season, but injuries and fumbles have stunted his growth.
Now, the Patriots have drafted national champion running back TreVeyon Henderson to provide him with some competition. Most Patriots fans are excited and expect Henderson to overtake Stevenson eventually. But does he have what it takes to be the RB1 for a new Patriots dynasty? With Henderson now headed to New England, did he land in a good spot for fantasy? What is his fantasy football outlook for Year 1? Let's dive in and find out.
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College Production
After rushing for 2,424 yards and 45 touchdowns in 15 games in the 2019-20 high school season, Henderson didn't play in his senior year of high school due to Virginia canceling the fall sports season during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TreVeyon Henderson hasn’t fumbled since his freshman year 😲 https://t.co/H9EbkaPJ5T pic.twitter.com/fngurl6KT1
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 25, 2025
Despite not playing football for a year, Henderson's outrageous production saw him being ranked as the 13th overall prospect, and the No. 1 RB by ESPN.
Having received offers from Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, and his home state of Virginia, Henderson decided to pick the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes were coming off a humiliating 52-24 loss to Alabama in the national championship game.
Trey Sermon declared for the NFL Draft just one year after replacing legendary OSU back J.K. Dobbins, and the team desperately needed a dominant RB1 to lead it in this new era without Dobbins, Sermon, and QB Justin Fields.
Despite being a true freshman, Henderson had an incredible 2021 season and exceeded all expectations. Henderson had an awe-inspiring 270-yard, three-touchdown performance against Tulsa in his third game of college football and established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
He scored 14 total touchdowns in his next 10 games and helped the team dramatically win the Rose Bowl. After breaking OSU's record for the most total touchdowns by a freshman, Henderson looked to establish himself even further as a sophomore.
Henderson ran for 178 yards and two TDs in his first two games of 2022, but fractured and tore a ligament in his foot in a 77-21 win against Toledo.
Determined to prove his toughness, Henderson decided to play through the injury. He still managed to put up big numbers, but eventually the pain got too much and he had to get surgery.
The Buckeyes narrowly lost to Georgia in the CFP semifinals, and Henderson spent a long offseason to get his "tools" (his speed and explosiveness) back.
"Off of surgery, you’re not just going to go and be the same person," Henderson said, "so I had to earn those tools back." Henderson went back to his high school to rehab, and his old track and field coach put him through "a lot" to get him back in shape.
Unfortunately, he missed a few additional games in 2023, and OSU failed to win the national championship once again. Many thought Henderson would declare for the draft after Ohio State brought in Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins, the top-ranked running back of the 2024 transfer cycle.
However, Henderson announced he would return for one more year to form an elite partnership with Judkins. The RB duo was perfect in 2024, as Judkins became the powerful thunder to Henderson's speedy lightning.
Despite not being the strongest, Henderson's acceleration and vision allowed him to become a touchdown threat on every play. He ran for 1,016 yards and 10 scores, as he finally fulfilled his dream of becoming a national champion. During his final three years at OSU, he didn't record a single fumble.
Rookie Year Situation
Henderson now finds himself in an interesting situation. The Patriots had an excellent draft, as they picked up multiple talented offensive linemen and wideouts to help Drake Maye leap to superstardom.
TreVeyon Henderson + Rhamondre Stevenson
The dirtiest duo in the NFL pic.twitter.com/rXlxp4rC37
— DomThePatsFan (@domthepatsfan) April 30, 2025
Will Campbell and Jared Wilson could be key pieces of the team in 2025 and transform the team's O-line from one of the league's worst to a respectable unit.
Most assume that Henderson will now compete with Stevenson for the starting RB job, but there's a good chance that the duo could be used equally, as they can cover for each other's weaknesses.
Stevenson is a much more powerful back who excels in the end zone, similar to Judkins. 16 out of Stevenson's 21 career rushing TDs have come from inside the 10; meanwhile, Henderson usually struggled at the goal line and rarely got goal-line touches.
He's more of a "can turn any play into a touchdown run" type player compared to Stevenson. Also, he's the better receiving back of the pair, and has better ball security. This has the makings of a good thunder and lightning partnership, similar to Henderson and Judkins.
Stevenson can wear the opponent down with short power runs, Henderson can catch a few passes out of the backfield and break off big runs, and Stevenson can finish things off at the goal line. It's a near-perfect fit.
We have to talk about Antonio Gibson as well. Gibson was nothing special as an RB2 last year, so it's unlikely he'll get many touches now that the Patriots have drafted Henderson, assuming he even makes the final roster.
Henderson is a highly touted prospect, while Stevenson is one of the highest-paid backs in the league, so Gibson isn't a priority. Very few RBs have the chance to immediately come in and play meaningful football as rookies, but Henderson is in a great position to do just that.
Maybe we shouldn't expect 1,000 yards right out of the gate, but Henderson can surprise a lot of people and establish himself as a fantasy-relevant player early on.
This is quite reminiscent of Jahmyr Gibbs' rookie year. Drafted by a young team looking to make it back to the playoffs as a backup to David Montgomery. Montgomery, similar to Stevenson, is a power back who is at his best in the red zone. Don't say that I didn't warn you!
TreVeyon Henderson 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook
With a new head coach, some new offensive weapons, and a revamped O-line, 2025 will mark a new era for the New England Patriots as they look to revive their dynasty. Henderson will be a big part of the Patriots' plans and can make an impact as a rookie.
Hey TreVeyon 😏@TreVeyonH4 | #PatsDraft pic.twitter.com/cuJYABx4EB
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 25, 2025
Don't forget that OC Josh McDaniels is back, and he loves a running-back-by-committee duo. When Stevenson's short runs aren't working, Henderson will provide a spark with electrifying runs to get the Patriots back in the game.
Also, he's a capable blocking back, which could see him become a favorite of the coaching staff. If you can't get Ashton Jeanty, Henderson might just be the next best thing when it comes to rookie fantasy football RBs.
He's in a good situation, can make an immediate impact, and could be very valuable in dynasty leagues, as he looks set to overtake Stevenson once the Patriots move on from him.
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