Patriots' Running Back Battle: Is Terrell Jennings Facing the Ax?

Jennings, Louisiana, USA - The New England Patriots have once again made headlines with their bold moves during the 2025 NFL Draft, showcasing a strategy that has both excited fans and stirred debates among analysts. Notably, the selection of running back TreVeyon Henderson has raised eyebrows, especially when considering the current standing of Terrell Jennings within the team’s backfield.

On the heels of picking offensive tackle Will Campbell with their first overall selection, the Patriots opted for Henderson with the 38th pick. Known for his speed and ability to make big plays, Henderson is expected to complement other key players like Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson quite well. The addition of Henderson puts Jennings, who is vying for a spot on the 53-man roster, in a challenging position. Current projections by Sports Illustrated suggest Jennings may need to settle for a place on the practice squad, particularly as coach Bill Belichick and company look to Henderson as a potential lead back.

A Rising Tide of Competition

At just 24 years old, Jennings has seen limited action, appearing in only three games last season and totaling 13 carries for a mere 33 yards. His past at Florida A&M revealed some promise, particularly during his best season in 2023, when he amassed 674 yards and nine touchdowns. However, analyst Bernd Buchmasser points out that Jennings, while a balanced runner, may not stand out in any specific area, making it increasingly difficult to secure his spot on the active roster as competition heats up.

With the Patriots also drafting players like wide receiver Kyle Williams and versatile lineman Jared Wilson, the roster landscape is shifting dramatically. As the team focuses on addressing both immediate needs and long-term depth, Jennings will be competing against the likes of undrafted rookie Lan Larison, who is also in contention for a backfield role. The potential trading of Gibson, suggested by some analysts, could still open up doors for Jennings, but the uncertainty of his position looms large.

Eager Analysts Weigh In

The Patriots‘ decision to prioritize Henderson drew mixed reviews from analysts. Following his selection, grades rolled in, with Bernd giving a solid B+, acknowledging his talent yet noting positional needs elsewhere. Other analysts echoed these sentiments, highlighting that while Henderson’s speed and hard running may prove valuable, the decision to draft a running back raised questions about other pressing gaps in the roster, such as at wide receiver and pass rusher. Matt critiqued the choice with a less forgiving D, stating the team needed to focus on more urgent needs instead of running backs, while Pat awarded an A, pointing out Henderson’s pass-blocking skills which could accelerate his rise to prominence in the team.

Overall, the 2025 draft is being hailed as one of the Patriots‘ best in recent memory, with a total of 11 players selected. As fans eagerly await the start of the upcoming season, it’s clear that the landscape of the Patriots‘ running game is shifting, leaving players like Jennings to navigate uncertain waters as they prepare for training camp.

For all the developments in this offseason’s draft and its implications for the team’s future, remember to keep an eye on how these talented rookies gel with the existing roster and what opportunities may lie ahead. This season could be a turning point, and the excitement is palpable. Stay tuned!