The 2025 NFL Draft class is shaping up to be one of the deepest running back groups in recent memory. From top to bottom, multiple starting-caliber backs could emerge. Names like Ashton Jeanty and NFL Combine standout Quinshon Judkins have caught national attention.
But according to one former Pro Bowl running back, there’s a sleeper in the class who could surprise everyone. That name is Ohio State standout TreVeyon Henderson.
TreVeyon Henderson — the Steal of the Draft?
Henderson played a major role in Ohio State’s run to the College Football Playoff National Championship this past season. He racked up 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns — his second time topping the 1,000-yard mark in his college career.
A threat both as a runner and in the passing game, the Hopewell, Virginia native carved out a versatile role in the Buckeyes’ offense and enters the 2025 draft as a high-upside prospect. According to Maurice Jones-Drew, his ceiling might be even higher than expected.
Jones-Drew, a three-time Pro Bowler and the NFL’s 2011 rushing leader, retired in 2015 and now works as an analyst for NFL Network. In his recently released mock draft, Jones-Drew made one of the boldest calls of the draft cycle so far.
After projecting Jeanty to land with the resurgent Las Vegas Raiders, Jones-Drew had Henderson as the second running back off the board — going 10th overall to the Chicago Bears.
“I know it would be a surprise to a lot of folks if Henderson is picked in the top 10, but he’s my No. 2 RB in the draft, and we saw how much success Detroit had with two running backs at the center of Ben Johnson’s offense,” Jones-Drew wrote.
Detroit’s offense ranked No. 1 in the league last season according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric, fueled by the dynamic duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
“Now the new Bears head coach adds a versatile and explosive back to pair with D’Andre Swift, giving Chicago a one-two punch in the backfield. Plus, Henderson excels in pass protection, making him an option on all three downs.”
However, not everyone sees Henderson going that high. The his latest mock draft with PFSN, Brentley Weissman has Henderson slipping into the second round — landing with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 47 overall.
“The Cardinals dip their toes back in the Ohio State well with running back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson has rare speed, burst, and acceleration to hit home runs consistently. He would greatly complement James Conner and, eventually, Trey Benson.”
In that mock, Henderson was the fourth running back selected — following Jeanty (No. 6), Omarion Hampton (No. 20), and Judkins (No. 39).