Rob Gronkowski Shares Bold Take On High Patriots Draft Pick
If you ask Rob Gronkowski, Will Campbell isn’t the only 2025 Patriots draft pick who could waste no time becoming a starter in New England.
After focusing on defense in NFL free agency, the Patriots prioritized support for Drake Maye early in this year’s draft. That included the second-round selection of TreVeyon Henderson, one of the best running backs in the 2025 class. Not only does Henderson boast great speed and pass-catching abilities, but he’s also outstanding in pass protection.
The Ohio State product’s vast skill set has Gronkowski thinking Henderson might usurp Rhamondre Stevenson on New England’s running back depth chart sooner rather than later.
“I think he can walk right into the Patriots’ organization and possibly be their starting running back from Day 1,” Gronkowski said on the “Dudes on Dudes” podcast, as transcribed by Boston.com. “And what I really like about this guy is that he’s going to make Drake feel really, really comfortable in the pocket.
“Not just because he’s going to get the run game going, but because he’s one of the best pass-protecting backs to come out of college football in some time.”
Even if Henderson isn’t a bell cow in Foxboro, Mass., right away, he appears bound to be an impact player for the Patriots from the get-go. The 22-year-old seems destined to be next in line for a role that was critically important in New England throughout its dynastic run: a reliable back who primarily sees the field in passing situations.
And if Henderson thrives in that slot, he could force his way into the feature back conversation.