The New England Patriots added two weapons for second-year quarterback Drake Maye in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting a running back with game-changing speed in the second round and a receiver with similar qualities and great route-running ability in the third round, with TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams, respectively.
It took ten weeks for New England’s rookie pair to produce in a way that Patriots fans were expecting to see right out of the gate this season when they were drafted. Although there were splashes from Henderson throughout the season, it was the first game that Williams contributed in a meaningful way to the team.
That said, both rookies thrived in lead roles that presented themselves because of injuries to two starters, as running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte were both ruled out for Week 10. With the opportunity to prove their worth having presented itself in a game that the football world was watching, Henderson and Williams showcased what they can bring to the team in this game.
Patriots' Henderson, Williams Enjoy Breakout Games Against Tampa Bay
1. TreVeyon Henderson
Henderson finished with 14 carries for 147 yards and scored two touchdowns on two explosive runs of 55 yards and 69 yards. He stepped up on multiple occasions in pass protection to give Maye more time to make a play, which has been a part of his game that has improved each week.
It's worth mentioning that the Patriots' No. 2 running back this week, Terrell Jennings, was injured in the first quarter and was eventually ruled out. With the Patriots already running thin, veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson was called up from the practice squad.
2. Kyle Williams
Williams made his first real impact of the season in Week 10, finishing with only one catch that went for a 72-yard touchdown. It was the first touchdown of his career and the longest completion in Maye’s career. It must be noted that Williams was on the field for more offensive plays than DeMario Douglas, who has been performing well in recent weeks.
Although Williams made his first contributions for the team in Week 10, he’s played in every game of the season. Without having a special teams role, the rookie’s main objective is to learn the offense and be a threat to the defense whenever he can get on the field.
Williams’ speed allows him to be a vertical threat down the field as a true X receiver, which is what Boutte provides for the offense. Although they look different, Williams can provide a similar role that Boutte does in the passing game.
Rookie Class Could Inherit Larger Role This Season and Beyond
Everything seems to be going according to plan for the Patriots’ first rookie draft class under head coach Mike Vrabel. With Henderson and Williams starting to emerge as legitimate options for the Patriots, it raises the possibility that Vrabel moves on from other veterans as he continues his rebuild in New England.
If that does happen, Stevenson’s future in New England could be cut short despite signing a $36 million contract extension in the offseason. And the same can be said for the wide receiver position, as Williams can offer similar production to what Boutte provides at the cost of a rookie-scale contract.
That said, the future is definitely unknown when it comes to veteran Stefon Diggs in New England. If they do part ways after the season, Williams is next in line to step into that role.
It’s been a long time since the Patriots had rookies who could realistically have a future in New England that the fan base is actually excited about seeing on the field every week. The Patriots have that this season with Henderson, Williams, Will Campbell, and Jared Wilson.