TreVeyon Henderson was surprised Patriots drafted him: ‘I had no clue that New England was going to be the spot’
“No, I don't recall having a meeting with him,” Henderson said of Mike Vrabel during the pre-draft process.
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TreVeyon Henderson said he had no contact with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during the pre-draft process.
The only New England coach he spoke with was first-year running backs coach Tony Dews on Zoom.
Needless to say, Henderson was caught off guard when the Patriots selected him 38th overall.
“I had no clue that New England was going to be the spot,” he told reporters Friday. “It was definitely a surprise for me.”
Henderson, 22, may not have met with Vrabel before the draft. However, they have something in common: Both are Ohio State products.
The 2025 College Football Playoff champion said he’s excited to join Vrabel in their respective first seasons this year.
“Oh yeah, most definitely,” Henderson said. “He’s trying to rebuild the culture there, and I’m excited to be a part of what he’s looking to accomplish.”
The Patriots are undoubtedly trying to get back to their winning ways, and it’s evident that a culture change is going to be a large part of that. Vrabel has expressed this, as has New England’s first-round draft pick Will Campbell, and now Henderson.
Selecting a running back in Henderson as their second pick may be a sign the Patriots are looking for someone to complement starter Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson only committed one fumble in his entire four-year career with Ohio State, which came in his first season.
Stevenson, New England’s fourth-round draft pick in 2021, fumbled the ball on seven occasions in 2024 (six times rushing).
Henderson discussed the importance of ball security, something that was emphasized during his college tenure.
“Very important,” he said. “That’s something we did almost every week at Ohio State. I know when we put the ball on the ground, it’s a high possibility you’re coming out, you’re probably not playing again. That encouraged me a lot to hold on to the ball.
“It can cost a team, especially in those big matchup games. That’s something that I’m looking forward to carrying on to the next level as well, just holding on to the ball.”
Along with his ability to hold on to the ball, Henderson was productive at Ohio State. He rushed for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior year, recording three 1,000-yard rushing campaigns as a Buckeye.
Henderson also caught 27 passes for 284 yards in 2024, demonstrating dynamicism in the field. He explained his style of play in his own words.
“I’d say I’m fast, I’m explosive,” Henderson said. “I’m good in one-on-one matchups. My receiving ability, my blocking, I pretty much can do it all.”
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