Iowa Hawkeyes punter Tory Taylor was the first punter taken in the NFL Draft this year. The Chicago Bears took Taylor in the fourth round after analyzing plenty of film on him. Taylor was a standout player for the Hawkeyes, consistently punting the ball well due to the team’s offensive challenges that often resulted in three-and-outs.
The selection of Taylor as the first kicker or punter in the draft was notable, as kickers and punters typically do not go as high in the draft. However, Taylor’s performance and accolades made him a deserving pick for the Bears. He won the Ray Guy Award for the best punter in college football and set a single-season record for punting yards.
In addition to Taylor, two other punters were taken in the fourth round of this year’s draft, further highlighting the importance of having a quality punter on the team. The Bears recognized the value of a strong punter and were willing to invest in securing Taylor, knowing they were getting a player with exceptional skills and a track record of success.