Good pass-protecting running backs are tough to find in the NFL. Most college backs aren’t asked to do it much, and their technique often isn’t great when they get to the league.
But getting a back who can block well can help a passing game. And one longtime NFL analyst thinks the New England Patriots just drafted one.
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NFL Analyst Says New England Patriots’ Draft Pick Will Be a ‘Really Good Pro’
New England found hope in quarterback Drake Maye. The No. 3 overall pick in 2024 only led the team to a 3-9 record, but he showed enough flashes to prove he’s the team’s future. Maye threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions last season. He also ran for 421 yards, which ranked third on the team.
Even though the stats don’t jump out, Maye had a strong rookie season. He battled through arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL and still ranked No. 19 in PFSN’s QB+ metric. He was 22nd in EPA per dropback (0.01), 21st from a clean pocket (0.2), and 18th when pressured (-0.30). His third-down rate (34.3%, 27th) and net yards per attempt (6.1, 31st) weren’t great but were understandable given the circumstances.
The Patriots’ offense struggled across the board. They finished No. 26 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric, 28th in EPA per play, and 30th in points per drive. Rhamondre Stevenson led the unit with 969 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns—seven on the ground and one receiving.
Maye was sacked 34 times in 13 games. Jacoby Brissett, who played in eight games, took 18 more. New England tried to fix the line in the 2025 NFL Draft by taking Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall pick and Jared Wilson in the third round.
Another key piece added to help protect Maye was running back TreVeyon Henderson. The Patriots picked the Ohio State product in Round 2. He might’ve been the best pass-blocking back in this year’s class.
Legendary analyst Greg Cosell recently appeared on the “Ross Tucker Podcast” and praised Henderson’s protection skills.
“LOVE Treveyon Henderson.”
“He is a hellacious pass protector. He just lays people out.”@GregCosell breaks down the Patriots second-round selection: pic.twitter.com/YCXNxgYR1U
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod)
Cosell said, “Love TreVeyon Henderson. He’s probably not a true foundation back, in that you’re gonna give him the ball 280, 290 times. But he’s explosive, a terrific receiver, and I gotta tell you, what really stood out on film, he is a hellacious pass protector, hellacious. He just lays people out.”
“They still have Rhamondre Stevenson, so it’s going to be a running back by committee. Stevenson is a little more of a foundation back in terms of his size and style. But Henderson is a really, really good football player. And the thing I’ve heard from scouts I know that do the Midwest say that he is just an A+ kid. I loved Henderson’s tape. When I found out he’s an A+ kid, I said, ‘Ok, this kid’s gonna be a really good pro.’”
Henderson formed a deadly one-two punch at Ohio State with fellow second-round pick Quinshon Judkins. He burst onto the college scene as a freshman with over 1,200 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Injuries limited him in the next two seasons, but he finished strong in 2024, posting 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Patriots still have Antonio Gibson on the roster. As the RB2 last season, he posted 538 rushing yards, one touchdown, 23 catches, and 206 receiving yards. He’s been a third-down back most of his career, but Henderson could take over that role in 2025.