Drake Maye and 4 Patriots players fans are most thankful for this year

The Patriots haven't been the most fun team to root for over the last four years, with many feeling discouraged by what has happened in the years since Tom Brady left. That has gotten even worse during the 2024 season, as it is the first year without Bill Belichick on the sideline.

While it's certainly fair to feel more stress about the team than the previous two decades, that doesn't mean they don't currently roster some players for which fans should be thankful. It might not always seem like they have a talented team, especially after the horrific performance we saw against the Dolphins last week, but there are a few names who have been performing at a high level this year that should be recognized.

Many are inevitably going to be building blocks for the future, making it a bit more exciting to look forward to.

5 Patriots players fans are most thankful for this year

QB Drake Maye

The most exciting part of the Patriots offense, especially since there's not a lot of good things happening with the team this season, is the development and progression of rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

Besides the inevitable favoritism that comes from most fans for their favorite team's quarterback, the UNC alum has shown all of the characteristics to be a real force in the NFL for a long time, something the Patriots have been hoping to find since Tom Brady left almost five years ago. He has a strong and reliable arm, consistently demonstrates natural leadership, and has already shown a winning mindset, all of which make him a great Patriot.

It's clear Maye was the perfect choice to lead the rebuild in New England, and it's possible that the Patriots got the best quarterback of the 2024 draft class. He's everything they have needed and more, so it'll be an enjoyable new era in Foxboro with Maye under center.

CB Christian Gonzalez

Similar to the rise of Maye this season has been the dominant performance from cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

After somehow falling into their lap in the first round of the 2023 draft, even after trading back, Gonzalez has been nearly unstoppable in shutting down most of the top receivers in the entire NFL. He has already become the Patriots CB1, despite only playing in three full games as a rookie before suffering a season-ending injury, and is consistently put against the opposing team's best offensive talent every week.

Gonzalez has been a shining light in an otherwise struggling secondary and has put together a season worthy of Pro Bowl honors.

TE Hunter Henry

With so much chaos surrounding the receiving corps, Maye has found his own Mr. Reliable since taking over the offense in Week 6 and that is unsurprisingly tight end Hunter Henry.

He came to the Patriots during the 2021 free agency spending spree and has become one of the best signings in recent memory. Since becoming a Patriot, Henry has already had his career-best seasons and continues to be the best tight end on the team, proving that every week on game day.

Filling the void left by Rob Gronkowski hasn't been easy, and plenty of tight ends have come in and out of New England in the years since. Fortunately, Henry has lived up to the hype and more, making it even better that the team extended him this past offseason.

CB Brenden Schooler

Special teamers are not typically recognized for much in the NFL, but that's not the case in New England, as Bill Belichick taught us over more than two decades. That's why it's difficult not to be thankful for a disciple of one of the best to ever do it, Matthew Slater, who is now a coach on the sideline.

Brenden Schooler has made the transition of being without Slater on the field much easier, as he is one of the most aggressive and determined players on the entire Patriots roster. He's been so impressive that the new regime has even put him in on defense this season, which he hasn't done much of since he was signed to the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

He has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that his value to the team goes beyond tackles on punt/kick returns. When they need to call a special play on defense, he will go above and beyond to make an impact.

CB Marcus Jones

Like fellow cornerback Brenden Schooler, Marcus Jones has been a reliable and versatile player in all three phases of the game for the Patriots again this season.

Although he's had some struggles in covering receivers this year, once he gets fully locked in, he's nearly as dominant as Christian Gonzalez. On top of that, he's quickly become the Patriots best option as a punt returner, most notably against the Jets this season.

He recently saw some action on offense, too, which is always a welcomed sight, given he's never missed a reception and has a touchdown on just four catches. Jones' value to the team goes beyond the stat sheet and he will continue to be that for the Patriots for years to come.

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