Every fantasy football draft has a handful of “cheat code” players, those going in the middle rounds who could easily finish as weekly difference-makers. In 2025, one name stands out above the rest, TreVeyon Henderson, the New England Patriots’ rookie running back out of Ohio State.
Landing in Foxborough under Head Coach Mike Vrabel and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, Henderson is stepping into a situation tailor-made for fantasy success.
With a wide-open backfield, a coaching staff committed to establishing the run, and the presence of sophomore quarterback Drake Maye to keep defenses honest, Henderson has the makings of the best running back value in 2025 fantasy football this season. Let’s break down why Henderson is a player every fantasy manager should target in 2025 drafts.
1. A Complete Running Back Prospect
Henderson entered the NFL as one of the most polished backs in the 2025 draft class. At Ohio State, he put together an impressive résumé. Henderson rushed for a career total of 3,761 yards, with 6.4 yards per carry. He also had 42 rushing touchdowns, 77 receptions for 853 yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns!
At 5’10” and 203 pounds, he blends compact power with explosive burst. His long speed is good enough to turn a 5-yard run into a 50-yard sprint, and his balance through contact makes him difficult to bring down. More importantly for fantasy, Henderson isn’t game-script dependent. He can handle early-down work between the tackles while also excelling as a pass-catcher, the kind of three-down skill set coaches can’t keep off the field.
2. A Wide-Open Patriots Backfield
The Patriots’ running back depth chart looks surprisingly vulnerable heading into 2025. Rhamondre Stevenson remains on the roster, but he’s struggled with injuries and consistency over the past two seasons. Behind him, there’s little more than depth pieces and change-of-pace runners.
That creates a golden opportunity for Henderson. Even if Stevenson starts the year as the “1A,” Henderson’s draft capital and versatility almost guarantee he’ll see the field early and often. By midseason, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s the clear lead back.
This is the kind of situation fantasy managers dream of, a talented rookie stepping into a backfield without an entrenched starter. Opportunity is half the battle at running back, and Henderson has it in spades.
3. McDaniels and Vrabel Will Establish the Run
New England’s new leadership duo of Head Coach Mike Vrabel and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels makes Henderson’s landing spot even more exciting.
Vrabel comes from Tennessee, where he leaned heavily on the run game during the Derrick Henry era. He understands the value of a physical ground attack to control tempo and wear down defenses. Pair that with McDaniels who, during his many years in New England, consistently built offenses that utilized running backs heavily both on the ground and through the air, and you have a system perfectly designed for Henderson’s skill set.
Expect the Patriots to pound the rock early and often, especially while their young quarterback develops. Henderson’s ability to thrive in both rushing and receiving phases makes him the centerpiece of that plan.
4. Drake Maye Opens Up the Offense
Speaking of the quarterback, Henderson benefits immensely from the presence of sophomore quarterback Drake Maye. After a promising rookie year, Maye enters 2025 with improved weapons and another offseason of development under his belt.
A young, talented passer like Maye prevents defenses from stacking the box, something Henderson rarely saw at Ohio State thanks to C.J. Stroud’s and Will Howard's aerial success. With Maye capable of pushing the ball downfield, Henderson should enjoy more running lanes, and he’ll also serve as a natural safety valve in the passing game.
This dynamic creates a perfect storm, defenses can’t sell out to stop the run, McDaniels will scheme touches for Henderson, and Maye’s progression keeps the offense balanced.
5. The Value at His ADP
Right now, Henderson is being drafted in the RB20–RB25 range, often falling to the 5th–7th rounds of redraft leagues. That’s shockingly low for a rookie with his talent, draft capital, and situation.
Consider the names going around him, veterans like Joe Mixon, James Conner, and D’Andre Swift. These players might offer short-term stability, but none have the ceiling Henderson brings. He’s a rookie who could legitimately finish as a top-15 running back, and fantasy managers can get him at a discount price.
This is exactly the type of mid-round swing savvy managers should target, an affordable floor with massive upside.
6. Rookie Running Backs Win Leagues
We’ve seen this story before. Rookie running backs, when given the opportunity, can completely reshape fantasy leagues. Think Kareem Hunt in 2017, James Robinson in 2020, Najee Harris in 2021, and Bijan Robinson in 2023.
Why? Because running backs don’t need years of development to make an impact. If they’re talented and have volume, they produce immediately. Henderson checks both boxes.
7. Projecting Henderson in 2025
If Henderson claims even a 50–60% share of New England’s backfield work, here’s a realistic projection for his rookie season, 220 carries for 1,050 yards with 8 rushing touchdowns, along with 45 receptions for 350 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns.
That stat line would easily place him in the top-15 RBs by year’s end, far outproducing his current ADP. If Stevenson misses significant time or Henderson simply proves too dynamic to keep off the field? A top-10 finish isn’t out of the question.
Final Thoughts
TreVeyon Henderson isn’t just another rookie running back. He’s a three-down talent landing in a backfield with minimal competition, under a coaching staff that will emphasize the run, with a rising young quarterback to balance the offense.
His current mid-round ADP makes him a potential league-winner, the kind of pick that can turn a good fantasy roster into a championship roster.
The Patriots want to establish the run. McDaniels wants to feature backs in the passing game. Drake Maye is ready to elevate the offense. And Henderson? He’s ready to seize the opportunity.
If you’re looking for the best running back value in 2025 fantasy football, the answer is simple: Draft TreVeyon Henderson before your league mates catch on.