Patriots rookie draws praise after preseason highlight

A rising Patriots rookie draws praise from a former coach after another standout preseason showing.

TreVeyon Henderson Emerges as Patriots Rising Star

TreVeyon Henderson, a second-round pick, pushed for a larger role in New England’s offense as the preseason rolled on. In the Patriots’ 20-12 win over the Minnesota Vikings, he touched the ball four times for 20 yards and a rushing TD, after already turning heads with limited opportunities earlier in the summer. In last week’s 48-18 victory over the Washington Commanders, Henderson finished a kickoff return for 100 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his speed and versatility.

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden amplified the hype with a social post praising Henderson, sharing a clip of the rookie’s touchdown and marveling at his draft position. The Patriots drafted Henderson 38th overall in 2025, a selection that sparked debate at the time but now looks like a potential building block for 2025. Henderson is expected to share snaps with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, and early signs suggest an expanded role could follow if his strong preseason form continues.

Henderson’s early in-camp spark fits a broader trend in which teams lean on versatile backs to provide both rushing and receiving threats. New England appears to be testing his ceiling in a controlled environment, weighing how his speed, vision, and pass-catching ability fit with a league where linebackers and safeties must account for more options. The praise from Gruden adds outside validation, but it also raises expectations at a pace that could pressure the coaching staff to ride the rookie before he’s fully ready. If Henderson can stay healthy and maintain production, the Patriots could pivot some of their playmaking load away from veterans, reshaping the backfield dynamic as the regular season approaches.

Highlights

The coming weeks will test whether the preseason glow translates to regular-season impact.