Special teams will be a fascinating phase of the game to study during the course of the 2024 NFL season, mainly because the inclusion of the new kickoff and kick return rules. 

Those changes are expected to have an impact on 53-man roster composition with a need for an entirely different skill set than prior versions of kickoffs. It's opening up opportunities for new players to showcase different skills that they might have not previously had a chance to showcase. 

Here's a look at three potential breakout candidates on special teams, two of which have the new rules in mind.

---

KO Justin Reid

We all saw what Justin Reid could do on PATs and field goals in 2022 when Harrison Butker went down with an ankle injury in Week 1. This year, he'll likely have a chance to show what he can do on kickoffs as well. Chiefs STC Dave Toub has confirmed that he intends to use Reid on kickoffs at times given the new kickoff rules. Why? Because he doesn't want to risk Butker getting hurt making a tackle. He says around 25-40% of the time the kicker on kickoffs ends up being involved in making a tackle under the new rules. Reid provides the kick coverage unit with an extra tackler on the field and one of the team's best at that. He even feels this rules change and his ability to do kickoffs could help extend his NFL playing career. 

---

KR Nikko Remigio

We knew that Remigio was getting some opportunities in the kick return rotation, but Dave Toub recently named him as the team's top option at kick returner. What's most impressive about that is the new kick return rules put everyone on equal footing when it comes to learning the different schemes and plays that can now be executed. Remigio seems to be the early winner in that regard and has pulled ahead of players like Louis Rees-Zammit, Deneric Prince, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney. When you combine that with the ability that he's shown on the offensive side of the ball, you've got yourself a true breakout candidate on your hands. 

---

P Matt Araiza

Araiza was the highest draft pick at the punter position (Pick No. 180) for three seasons until Iowa's Tory Taylor was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL draft. To put it bluntly, there's a reason that Araiza was regarded so highly. He has an absolute cannon for a leg and deadly accuracy with his punts.

Chiefs new punter, Matt Araiza “The Punt God”? pic.twitter.com/M1xjiPAKK7

— Storm Dynasty?? (@chiefstorm2) June 28, 2024

His opportunity with the Chiefs isn't just a second chance at NFL football, but it's an opportunity to validate his draft selection and contribute to a Super Bowl-winning team. Kansas City surely doesn't plan to punt often in 2024, but Araiza could be a major weapon for the team when they do need to punt. 

Trade acquisition, UDFA and draft picks among defensive breakout candidates for Chiefs in 2024

The Kansas City Chiefs have a ton of defensive players who could rise to the occasion in 2024.