Feb. 4, 2026, 8:42 a.m. CT
Running back TreVeyon Henderson believed the Chicago Bears were drafting him during the 2025 NFL Draft.Henderson’s heart “sunk” when he realized the New England Patriots, not the Bears, had selected him.Chicago was reportedly interested in Henderson and even attempted to trade up for him.The Bears ultimately found success with running backs D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai.
It’s hard to believe that running back was considered a major need for the Chicago Bears last offseason, considering the success they had this season with D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai in 2025.
But many expected Chicago to select a top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, and there were several options. While the Bears didn’t get a chance to consider Ashton Jeanty, who went sixth overall, the second round had options like Ohio State teammates Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. But both were off the board when Chicago’s turn came. Instead, the Bears landed a stud wide receiver in Luther Burden III, and his future looks incredibly bright.
There were reports during the pre-draft process that linked Chicago to Henderson specifically, including a report that the Bears attempted to trade up for Henderson. But, ultimately, Henderson went to the New England Patriots while Chicago landed a seventh-round steal in Monangai.
As he prepares to play in the Super Bowl during his rookie season, Henderson admitted that he actually thought he was going to be a Bear on draft night.
“When I was getting the call, my TV was a little delayed, and the Chicago Bears, I thought they were up,” Henderson said, via CHGO. “And when I got the phone call I thought that it was the Chicago Bears, and they told me it was the New England Patriots, I was smiling but my heart sunk at the same time because during the draft process everyone was telling me Patriots is the last team, the last one that you want to go to. I’m believing whatever they said. I’m trying to dodge the Patriots at all costs. But then I got picked by them, and it was such a crazy moment.”
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
While Henderson would’ve been a nice weapon in Ben Johnson’s offense, things still worked out for Chicago. The Bears had the league’s third-best rushing attack with Swift and Monangai while also landing one of the steals of the draft in Burden with that second-round pick. Also, Henderson gets an opportunity to win a Super Bowl championship on his first go in the NFL.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram