NFL Analyst Impressed By These Four Patriots Players Vs. Vikings

The New England Patriots improved to 2-0 in the preseason following Saturday’s 20-12 win against the Minnesota Vikings.

While preseason wins and losses hardly matter, how particular players look during the exhibition contests can be important heading into the regular season.

ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes mentioned four Patriots players on Sunday who she was specifically impressed with in the victory.

“Thought several NE rookies (Campbell, Henderson, Williams, Chism) looked good yesterday. Terrific rep here from the Patriots 2nd round RB–we’ve seen the open field speed, but he also has excellent vision and burst to find daylight btwn the tackles,” Kimes posted on Bluesky, along with a highlight of rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson’s touchdown run.

Thought several NE rookies (Campbell, Henderson, Williams, Chism) looked good yesterday. Terrific rep here from the Patriots 2nd round RB–we’ve seen the open field speed, but he also has excellent vision and burst to find daylight btwn the tackles.

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes.bsky.social) 2025-08-17T18:29:23.032Z

Henderson has been one of the biggest stories of the summer.

The Ohio St. product shined in New England’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown and recording four touches for 30 yards. Henderson finished Saturday’s contest with four carries for 20 yards and a touchdown, while adding a 26-yard kickoff return.

Henderson’s hot play has led to speculation that he could force head coach Mike Vrabel to reconsider how he splits touches between the rookie and starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson. One NFL writer even predicted that the former would become the first Patriots player since the 2022 campaign to rush for 1,000 yards.

Another standout from Saturday’s tilt was undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III.

The 23-year-old broke out in the win over Minnesota, recording team highs in receptions (six) and receiving yards (71), while scoring a touchdown on six targets. Chism III also contributed a nine-yard punt return.

Kimes also singled out fellow rookie wideout Kyle Williams, who finished Saturday’s game by catching all three of his targets for 24 yards.

Rookie first-round pick Will Campbell has had an up-and-down preseason and training camp but earned praise from Kimes on Sunday as well.