Iowa Hawkeyes punter Tory Taylor was the first punter taken in the NFL Draft this year. His impressive performance on the field and remarkable college career did not go unnoticed, earning him a spot in the fourth round of the draft with the Chicago Bears.
Taylor excelled in his role as a punter for a Hawkeyes team that struggled offensively, giving him plenty of opportunities to punt the ball away. He caught the attention of the Bears, who had ample film showcasing his impressive punting skills and consistency. In an unexpected move, he became the first punter taken in this year’s draft, ahead of other notable punters like Jordan Stout and Jake Camarda.
Taylor’s achievements in college football were nothing short of remarkable. He won the Ray Guy Award for the best punter in the nation last season and set a single-season record for punting yards with 4,479 yards, a record that had stood for over eight decades. 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.
The Bears made a significant investment in Taylor, but it could pay off for them. A reliable punter can be a valuable asset for a football team, and Taylor’s track record suggests that he can deliver the consistency and performance needed at the professional level. With his impressive college career and accolades, the Bears likely feel confident in their decision to draft him.
