The Chicago Bears selected Iowa punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Taylor was a standout on the Hawkeyes’ team, consistently punting the ball with great success. His performance caught the attention of the Bears, who made him the first kicker or punter taken in this year’s draft. While it may be uncommon for kickers or punters to be selected that high, Taylor’s impressive collegiate career and accolades, including winning the Ray Guy Award for the best punter in college football, made him a valuable pick for the Bears.
Taylor’s punting abilities were evident in the records he set during his time at Iowa. He broke a single-season punting yards record that had stood for 85 years, with a total of 4,479 yards last season. Additionally, his impressive career average of 46.3 yards per punt further solidified his status as a top punter in college football. The Bears recognized Taylor’s talent and potential, and were willing to invest in securing a player who could significantly impact their special teams unit.
The decision to draft Taylor in the fourth round was a bold move by the Bears, as it is uncommon for punters to be selected that early in the draft. However, history has shown that there have been instances where punters were taken in the fourth round or higher, such as in 2019 when Mitch Wishnowsky was selected by the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the rarity of such picks, the Bears were confident in their choice and believed that Taylor’s skills warranted the investment.
One of Taylor’s fellow draftees, Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the draft, jokingly reassured Taylor that he may not have to punt as frequently in the NFL as he did in college. While Williams’ comment may suggest a lack of punting opportunities for Taylor, having a reliable punter is still crucial for a team’s success. The Bears recognized the importance of solidifying their special teams unit with a talented punter like Taylor, even if it meant paying a higher price to secure his services.
Overall, the Bears’ selection of Tory Taylor in the fourth round of the draft signifies their commitment to strengthening their special teams unit. Taylor’s impressive college career, record-breaking performances, and accolades made him a standout prospect in this year’s draft class. Despite the unconventional nature of selecting a punter early in the draft, the Bears were confident in their decision and believe that Taylor will be a valuable asset to their team moving forward. With Taylor on board, the Bears can expect to have a reliable and skilled punter to help contribute to their success on the field.
