The Broncos Are Genuinely Interested in the Highly Sought-After Ohio State Running Back
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, one of the most intriguing and high-profile prospects in the draft class is TreVeyon Henderson, the dynamic running back from Ohio State. With his combination of speed, agility, and vision, Henderson has been one of the most electrifying players in college football over the past two seasons. For NFL teams looking to add a game-changing back to their roster, Henderson presents a tantalizing option, and one team that has shown significant interest in him is the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos, led by head coach Sean Payton, are undergoing a period of transition and are looking to revamp their roster to become contenders in the competitive AFC West. The team’s offensive identity has been in flux since the retirement of legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, but the addition of Henderson could help solidify the running back position and provide the Broncos with a weapon that can help take the pressure off quarterback Russell Wilson.
In this article, we will explore why the Broncos are so interested in Henderson, how his skill set fits into the team’s offensive system, the potential impact he could have in Denver, and what it means for the future of the franchise. We will also dive into what makes Henderson such a highly sought-after prospect, his college career at Ohio State, and how he could shape the future of the Broncos’ running game.
TreVeyon Henderson: A Game-Changer at Ohio State
Before we dive into why the Denver Broncos are particularly interested in Henderson, it’s important to understand what makes him such a special talent. Henderson’s college career at Ohio State has been nothing short of impressive. As a freshman in 2021, he made an immediate impact, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns, showing off his burst and ability to take over games. In his sophomore season, Henderson continued to build on that success, showing even more maturity and skill as he carried the offense for much of the season.
What makes Henderson stand out is his ability to impact every facet of the game. He is not just a traditional running back who thrives between the tackles. He is a dynamic athlete capable of breaking off long runs, catching passes out of the backfield, and making defenders miss in open space. His combination of vision, speed, and balance allows him to consistently find the hole and turn short gains into explosive plays.
On film, Henderson displays excellent patience behind his offensive line. He’s able to read his blockers and make the right cuts at the right time, while his speed allows him to burst through holes before defenders can close in. Whether it’s a quick-hitting inside run or an outside zone play, Henderson has the acceleration to gain big chunks of yards. He is also dangerous in the passing game, catching passes out of the backfield with ease and showing good hands and ability to create after the catch.
For NFL teams, Henderson’s ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him an ideal candidate for a dual-threat back in today’s evolving league. His versatility, combined with his explosive playmaking ability, has made him a favorite among NFL scouts.
Why the Denver Broncos Are Interested in Henderson
The Denver Broncos are no strangers to the importance of having a solid running back. Over the years, the team has had its share of standout backs, from Terrell Davis—a Hall of Famer—to Phillip Lindsay and Javonte Williams. However, in recent seasons, the Broncos’ running back corps has been inconsistent due to injuries, underperformance, and a lack of depth. With the arrival of Sean Payton as head coach in 2025, the Broncos are looking to build a team that can compete at a high level, and the running back position is a crucial part of that equation.
The Broncos have invested heavily in their running back room, with Javonte Williams being the feature back when healthy. However, injuries have hampered Williams’ development, and the team has lacked a consistent second option. In addition, Russell Wilson, despite his success in Seattle, has not been able to lead the offense as effectively as hoped. His reliance on the running game and play-action passes will be key to Denver’s success moving forward. This is where Henderson comes into the picture.
In Payton’s offense, which is known for being balanced and utilizing the running back both on the ground and in the passing game, Henderson’s skill set would be a perfect fit. Payton’s system is predicated on creating mismatches, and Henderson’s versatility would allow him to be utilized in a variety of ways. Whether it’s running out of the backfield, catching screen passes, or running routes out of the slot, Henderson offers the kind of flexibility that Payton craves.
The Broncos also have a relatively young offensive line, and a player like Henderson could help maximize their potential. His vision and quickness allow him to take advantage of even small creases in the line, and his speed would keep defenses on their toes. With Henderson in the backfield, the Broncos would have the ability to stretch the field and open up opportunities for Wilson to operate out of play action. Given that Wilson thrives when he has a strong running game to lean on, Henderson could help elevate his play and give him the support he needs to thrive in Payton’s offense.
What Henderson Brings to the Broncos’ Offense
TreVeyon Henderson would bring a host of qualities to the Broncos’ offense that would make him an instant asset. Let’s break down some of the key areas in which Henderson could impact the team:
- Explosiveness: Henderson’s burst and speed make him one of the most dangerous players in college football, and that explosiveness would translate to the NFL. His ability to turn a small opening into a long gain would stretch opposing defenses and keep them on their heels. In Denver, he could be a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, providing the Broncos with an element of surprise and the ability to strike quickly.
- Dual-Threat Capability: One of the hallmarks of Payton’s offense is utilizing running backs in the passing game. Henderson excels as a receiver out of the backfield, and this would be a major asset in the Broncos’ offensive scheme. Payton has a history of using running backs to create mismatches in the passing game, and Henderson’s natural pass-catching ability makes him an ideal candidate to take on that role. Whether it’s catching short dump-offs or running wheel routes, Henderson would add a new dimension to the Broncos’ offense.
- Ball Security and Durability: Throughout his time at Ohio State, Henderson has proven to be a reliable ball carrier, rarely fumbling and maintaining solid durability despite the pounding he takes in a physical running system. This is a crucial trait for any running back, and Henderson’s ball security would be especially valuable for the Broncos, who need to limit turnovers and maximize possessions.
- Big-Play Ability: One of the most important aspects of Henderson’s game is his ability to make big plays. He has the speed to break away from defenders in the open field and the vision to find running lanes that others might miss. In today’s NFL, where explosive plays are a critical part of winning games, Henderson has the potential to provide the Broncos with game-changing moments that could swing the tide of a contest.
- Pressure Relief for Russell Wilson: As mentioned earlier, Wilson thrives when the running game is working well, and Henderson would take some of the pressure off of him. With Henderson in the backfield, the Broncos could be more effective in short-yardage situations, setting up Wilson for more manageable passing downs. The threat of Henderson in the run game would also force opposing defenses to respect the ground game, creating more opportunities for play-action and deep passes down the field.
How Henderson Fits into the Broncos’ Long-Term Plans
The Broncos are not only looking for immediate impact players but also for pieces that can contribute to the team’s long-term success. Henderson, with his youth, durability, and potential for growth, fits into the Broncos’ long-term vision. He would be a cornerstone of the team’s offense, giving them a dynamic weapon in the backfield that could help elevate the play of those around him.
Additionally, Henderson’s presence would allow the Broncos to focus on other areas in the draft, knowing that they have a reliable, dual-threat running back who can contribute right away. The team could prioritize bolstering their offensive line, wide receiver corps, or defense, secure in the knowledge that their running back situation is solidified for years to come.
The Draft Outlook
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, many analysts have Henderson projected to go in the first or second round, depending on team needs and draft position. For the Broncos, selecting Henderson could be a game-changing move that solidifies their offense for the future. Whether they trade up to secure him or wait for the right moment to select him, it’s clear that Henderson is a player they are keeping a close eye on.
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