Patriots Playmaker at Risk After Surprise Draft Selection
A key playmaker for the New England Patriots could be in jeopardy of losing his job following the team’s unexpected draft pick.
The Patriots shocked many by selecting Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson with the 38th overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. While New England’s backfield was in need of reinforcements, head coach Mike Vrabel had hinted that they would likely add another running back, but drafting one so early was a surprise.
Now with Henderson on board, he will join an already crowded backfield that includes Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. The issue? Henderson offers many of the same skills as Gibson, particularly as a pass-catcher, and could potentially outshine him in that role, leaving Gibson’s future with the team in question.
NESN’s Sean T. McGuire noted that Gibson’s stock has dropped with Henderson’s arrival, as the new recruit brings three-down versatility and strong pass-catching abilities. While Stevenson’s role might take a hit, he’s likely to retain his position on early downs, making Gibson’s spot on the roster uncertain, especially with a committee approach likely being the best fit for both Stevenson and Henderson.
The Patriots signed Gibson to a two-year deal last year, partly due to his receiving skills, but the 26-year-old had a lackluster 2024 season, catching just 23 passes for a career-low 206 yards. Henderson, on the other hand, proved to be an effective pass-catcher at Ohio State, posting 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. Given his potential, it wouldn’t be surprising if Henderson takes on a larger role in the Patriots’ offense next season.
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