The Kansas City Chiefs offense hasn't looked explosive for the last couple of seasons. They say winning cures all ills, and Super Bowl titles have certainly allayed those concerns for the most part, but the Chiefs might be ready to turn the corner back to a more dynamic offense with a wholesale makeover of the backfield.
The latest report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has the Chiefs spending the final hours before the 2025 NFL Draft with one of the most explosive prospects in the entire draft class: running back TreVeyon Henderson.
Henderson, a scintillating back from Ohio State, was part of a virtual call with the Chiefs on Tuesday, a conversation that featured head coach Andy Reid in attendance as well.
What Henderson would add to the Chiefs
Any discussion of Henderson should start with our in-depth scouting report as required reading. But it is important to note that Henderson would be the most talented back in Kansas City since Kareem Hunt was a rookie—and perhaps even as far back as Jamaal Charles.
Speaking of Charles, Henderson's a solid comp there, which should thrill Chiefs fans who remember well the dynamism that he brought to the offense. After two seasons of hosting a middling offense (injuries are partly to blame there for sure, especially in 2024), adding Henderson to the skill positions would give Patrick Mahomes a tremendous boost heading into a new season.
Last season, Henderson had 144 carries for 1,016 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns—good for a robust 7.1 yards/carry average. He also added 27 catches for 284 yards and 1 more touchdown through the air.
The problem of draft value for Henderson and the Chiefs
Two factors come into play here that make the idea of TreVeyon Henderson to the Chiefs quite interesting.
First, this draft class is very deep at running back—perhaps more so than any other position. The Chiefs have needs at other positions that are more difficult to fill with impressive prospects—especially in the trenches—so it would make sense from a value perspective for general manager Brett Veach to hold out for a RB addition later in the draft class.
Second, Henderson's overall big board consensus places him as a second-round grab according to most analysts. That doesn't hold much water when it comes to the official draft, but does this mean the Chiefs are eyeing a trade back. To take him in the first could be considered a reach, but it's quite possible Henderson is not there waiting for them in the late-second round which is where the Chiefs pick next (No. 63 overall).
Is Henderson a draft smokescreen for the Chiefs?
How much fans should read into this is hard to tell. Andy Reid's participation—or at least even the rumored suggestion—makes it seem as if the team would consider taking Henderson at No. 31 overall. Otherwise they likely won't have a chance.
Could this be a ploy, especially with Reid's name attached, to lure someone into trading up for him? Are the Chiefs wanting selections at other positions to fall to them? Remember it's good for teams to take positions like quarterback in front of the Chiefs, because it means other prospects will be available for the Chiefs. Every pick counts in the first round like this.
Would the Chiefs really telegraph an interest like this? Are they just kicking the tires in case Henderson is there for the taking in the second? Are the Chiefs going to try another first-round RB like they did in 2020? Are they ready to commit to a major offensive overhaul?
All questions will be answered soon, which is what makes the draft such an exciting draw for fans.