The Chicago Bears made sure to do their homework on Iowa punter Tory Taylor, who was a key player on a struggling Hawkeyes team. Taylor often had to punt the ball away after a three-and-out, and he consistently delivered with his strong performance. This caught the attention of the Bears, who selected Taylor in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, making him the first kicker or punter taken in this year’s draft.
It’s not common for kickers or punters to be drafted this high, but talented players like Taylor do get recognized. In previous drafts, only a few punters have been selected in the fourth round or higher, highlighting Taylor’s skill and potential. Taylor’s impressive college career culminated in him winning the Ray Guy Award for the best punter in college football last season, setting records for punting yards and averaging 48.2 yards per punt.
Despite the Bears making a significant investment in Taylor, they knew they were getting a top-tier punter with a proven track record of success. Even if star quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears’ first overall pick in the draft, reassured Taylor that he might not be punting as often in the NFL, having a reliable punter like Taylor is a valuable asset for the team. The Bears made a smart choice in selecting Taylor, solidifying their special teams with a player who excels in his position.