6 players the Patriots should build their roster around for 2024 and beyond

6 players the Patriots should build their roster around for 2024 and beyond

Brenden Schooler

A special teamer makes the list of players the Patriots should build their roster around?

Yes, yes he does. When it comes to building a well-rounded team that involves improving all three units, including special teams, is critical, even more so for a team that has historically dominated in that area.

That hasn't been the case over the last few years, which has been shocking given how many games the Patriots have won due to their success. And because Matthew Slater is now retired, the guy he mentored for the last two seasons becomes the head of the table.

Brenden Schooler's journey to the Patriots is a testament to his determination and skill. As an undrafted player in 2022, he caught the attention of Bill Belichick during the preseason, leading to a decision that surprised many -- keeping the rookie over one of the best special teamers in the league at the time, Justin Bethel.

It was a decision met with mixed reactions, but Schooler quickly proved it was the right move.

He made an impression early on, retrieving a muffed punt in Week 2 and then following that up in Week 6 with another muffed punt recovery. It became his go-to move for the rest of the season, adding another victory to his rookie resume against the Colts three games later.

Schooler recovered a blocked punt and returned it for six yards, putting the Patriots offense at Indianapolis' 2-yard line, setting up the eventual Rhamondre Stevenson touchdown before halftime.

He put together a fairly good second season in 2023, as well, and is likely going to be the new face of the special teams from here on out.