Inside the Rookie Experience: TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams Share Insights from Their First NFL Training Camps

Patriots training camp is buzzing. On Saturday, rookie stars TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams stepped into the spotlight, showcasing their talents in a lively practice.

New England picked up Henderson, a running back from Ohio State, and Williams, a wide receiver from Washington State, during the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft last April. The goal was to inject some fresh energy into the offense. So far, they’ve lived up to the hype, making their presence felt during the first four days of camp.

Henderson has been a standout in passing drills, while Williams has teamed up with second-year QB Drake Maye. Although veterans like Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas have been in the spotlight, Williams is making strides too.

Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels is eager to leverage Henderson’s speed. The coaching staff is getting creative, finding ways to get him open in space. Henderson has been running various routes and is involved in screen plays and outside runs. During practice, he caught a long pass from QB Joshua Dobbs and nearly connected with Maye on a wheel route, showing promise in their developing chemistry.

“Things are going well. I’m improving, and the team is coming together,” Henderson shared after practice. “I’m grateful for the chance to grow.”

So far, training camp has focused on the passing game, giving Henderson a chance to shine. He’s making a solid case for being used as a flexible receiver, exploiting mismatches against defenders. McDaniels is keen to utilize playmakers, and Henderson is eager to show what he can do in those situations. “Getting out into space is a strength of mine,” he added.

Another way the Patriots might utilize Henderson’s speed is on kickoffs. He’s been practicing alongside veteran RB Antonio Gibson for special teams, making the most of his skills. In college, Henderson racked up nine kickoff returns for 86 yards in his final season. While the NFL kickoff rules differ from college, it’s clear he has the potential to be an explosive returner.

“It’s a learning process with the rules, but I believe I can excel,” Henderson said, showing confidence in his abilities.

Meanwhile, Kyle Williams has also started training camp strong. Early on, he caught two passes from Maye, including a tough back-shoulder catch against talented CB Christian Gonzalez. Williams is primarily playing on the outside and is also being considered as a kickoff returner.

“Our offseason work really helped our connection. We talk a lot to build trust,” Williams explained, emphasizing the importance of communication in developing chemistry with Maye.

As a native of Maryland, Williams looks up to teammate Stefon Diggs, who also played at the University of Maryland. He often seeks advice from Diggs, who has been mentoring him since the spring. “It’s amazing to learn from my favorite receiver,” Williams said, reflecting on Diggs’ impact on his game.

The hope is that these two rookies will add much-needed sparkle to the Patriots’ offense. While Williams has been quieter in practice recently, both he and Henderson have shown they can handle the pressures of training camp. Rookies often face ups and downs, but these two have impressed so far.

As the team gears up for padded practices next week, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum. The Patriots’ rookie class is excited to continue building their skills and contributing to the team.

Source link

Training Camp Feature,Analysis,hp-article,hp-featured,TreVeyon Henderson,Kyle Williams