Chicago Bears selected Iowa Hawkeyes punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round of the NFL Draft this year, making him the first punter taken in the draft. Taylor’s impressive college career and accolades likely caught the attention of the Bears, who had plenty of film on his punting skills and consistency.
Taylor excelled in his role as a punter for a Hawkeyes team that struggled offensively, giving him many opportunities to showcase his talents. His remarkable average of 48.2 yards per punt last season and a career average of 46.3 yards per punt set new NCAA records, and he won the Ray Guy Award for the best punter in the nation last season.
Despite being one of several notable punters available in this year’s draft, Taylor was selected ahead of others like Jordan Stout and Jake Camarda, highlighting his exceptional performance on the field. The Bears likely feel confident in their decision to draft him, as a reliable punter can be a valuable asset for any football team.
The payoff for their investment in Taylor could be significant, as he has already shown his ability to deliver consistent and high-quality performance at the collegiate level. With his impressive achievements and accolades, Taylor is poised to continue that success at the professional level with the Chicago Bears.