Minnesota Vikings plot a surprise attack in draft, aiming for Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson in a dynamic first-round pick shift

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in an enviable position: a solid core of talent that has seen success but still requires reinforcements to push them to the next level. One position that has been discussed as a potential area of need is the running back spot. Despite having a strong player in Alexander Mattison, the Vikings’ offense could benefit from an explosive, game-changing playmaker in the backfield. Enter Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson, a dynamic running back with the kind of skill set that could transform Minnesota’s offense.

While many have speculated that the Vikings might focus on strengthening their defensive line or secondary with their first-round pick, reports have emerged that they might go in a different direction—targeting Henderson in a surprise shift that could reshape their future. The idea of drafting Henderson has caught fire in the last few weeks, as his explosive playmaking ability combined with the Vikings’ need for a playmaking running back has set the stage for a potential surprise attack on draft night.

TreVeyon Henderson: A Look at the Dynamic Playmaker

Before diving into the potential ramifications of the Vikings targeting Henderson, it’s essential to first understand what makes the Ohio State running back so special. TreVeyon Henderson’s college career has been nothing short of impressive. Coming out of high school as one of the most highly touted running back prospects in the country, Henderson wasted no time living up to the hype at Ohio State.

In his first season with the Buckeyes, Henderson set a school freshman record for rushing yards and touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make an immediate impact. His combination of speed, vision, and agility made him one of the most electrifying players in college football. By his second year, Henderson had already proven himself as one of the top running backs in the nation, gaining attention for his explosiveness, elusive running style, and ability to break off long runs.

While Henderson’s college career has been marked by consistency, it’s his big-play potential that has turned heads. He has the rare ability to change the course of a game in a flash, whether it’s with a 70-yard touchdown run or a quick-cut move to elude defenders. His style of play is reminiscent of some of the top NFL running backs, with the kind of versatility that can be dangerous both as a runner and as a receiving option out of the backfield.

At 6-foot, 215 pounds, Henderson has the size to handle the physicality of the NFL, but it’s his burst and vision that make him a special talent. His skill set could be exactly what the Minnesota Vikings need to take their offense to new heights in 2025.

The Minnesota Vikings’ Offensive Needs

The Minnesota Vikings, under head coach Kevin O’Connell, have built an offense centered around quarterback Kirk Cousins and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. With Jefferson emerging as one of the league’s top playmakers, the Vikings’ offense has certainly been potent. However, despite having a solid aerial attack, the Vikings have struggled to find a true game-breaking running back to complement their passing game.

Alexander Mattison, who has shown flashes of brilliance, has had difficulty maintaining consistency as the lead back. While Mattison has been serviceable and has had some solid performances in the absence of Dalvin Cook, the Vikings have not had the kind of elite running back who can consistently change the game and take some of the pressure off Cousins and Jefferson.

A dynamic playmaker like Henderson could provide exactly what the Vikings need—a running back who can take over games when necessary, take pressure off Cousins, and force defenses to respect the running game. The addition of a player like Henderson would open up play-action opportunities, making it harder for defenses to focus solely on the passing game.

Moreover, the NFC North has become a division where the running game plays an important role. The Chicago Bears have built their offense around Justin Fields’ dual-threat ability, while the Green Bay Packers are solidifying their ground game with a stable of talented running backs. To keep pace with these teams, the Vikings would need to develop a strong ground attack—something Henderson could immediately help with.

Why Henderson Makes Sense for the Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive scheme under O’Connell is one that values versatility and playmaking. O’Connell, who was previously the offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, has demonstrated a keen understanding of how to utilize running backs in a variety of ways. His offense blends traditional rushing with a heavy dose of outside zone runs, stretch plays, and passes to running backs out of the backfield.

Henderson’s skill set would fit perfectly into this system. He’s not just a running back; he’s a weapon. His ability to line up in the backfield, split out wide, or catch passes out of the backfield would give O’Connell the flexibility to keep defenses guessing. Henderson’s ability to take short passes to the house and turn dump-offs into long gains would also open up more options for Cousins, as he would be able to rely on his running back as a safety valve in the passing game.

Further enhancing the fit between Henderson and the Vikings is the fact that Minnesota has a quarterback who is effective in play-action. Kirk Cousins excels when the Vikings establish a running game, as it allows him to take advantage of play-action passes and attack deep down the field. With Henderson in the backfield, defenses would be forced to focus on stopping both the run and the pass, giving Cousins more opportunities to exploit favorable matchups.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the long-term vision of the Vikings. Cousins is entering the latter part of his career, and while he is still playing at a high level, the Vikings are looking to set themselves up for success beyond 2025. Bringing in a young, dynamic running back like Henderson would not only help them in the short term but would also give them a centerpiece for their offense for years to come. As Henderson develops, he could become the cornerstone of a new era in Minnesota football.

The Draft Strategy: A Bold Move for the Vikings

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Vikings are well-positioned to make a bold move. While the team does not have an immediate need for a quarterback or wide receiver, there are significant gaps to fill on the defensive side of the ball. However, the Vikings might see an opportunity to surprise the league and shift their focus to a player who could immediately make an impact—TreVeyon Henderson.

If Minnesota were to target Henderson with their first-round pick, it would be a somewhat unexpected move. Many believe that the Vikings might look to strengthen their defensive line or add another piece to their secondary. After all, the team has been solid defensively but has shown occasional lapses that have cost them games in key moments. The 2025 draft class has several strong defensive prospects who could help Minnesota solidify their defense for the future.

But the potential reward of drafting Henderson could outweigh the risk. As previously mentioned, the Vikings have struggled to find a consistent, dynamic running back in recent years. Henderson could change that. His ability to come in and immediately contribute as both a rusher and a receiver would elevate the entire offense. Additionally, his potential as a playmaker on special teams could further enhance the Vikings’ overall roster.

The surprise move would also shake up the draft board. It would signal to the league that the Vikings are committed to establishing a balanced offense that is capable of competing with the league’s best. If Minnesota were to select Henderson, it would set the stage for a new chapter in their offensive evolution—a chapter in which they have a dual-threat running back who can carry the load and make the defense respect the run.

The Impact of Drafting Henderson on the NFL Landscape

If the Minnesota Vikings pull the trigger on TreVeyon Henderson in the first round, it would not only impact their team but also set a significant precedent for other teams around the league. Running backs are no longer seen as a “first-round” position in many circles, with teams often opting to address the position in later rounds. However, selecting Henderson at such a high pick would demonstrate the value of having a game-changing back who can do it all—run, catch, and be a consistent threat on the field.

The move would also reflect a larger shift in the NFL’s running back culture. As more teams look for versatile, explosive playmakers who can fit into multiple facets of the offense, Henderson’s selection could signal a new wave of thinking when it comes to the position. Teams might be more willing to draft running backs earlier if they fit into dynamic offensive schemes like O’Connell’s, where the player can be a key weapon.