The Chicago Bears made a wise decision in the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting Iowa punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round. Taylor’s strong performance on a struggling Hawkeyes team caught the attention of the Bears, who recognized his potential and made him their first kicker or punter taken in this year’s draft.
It is 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 had an impressive college career that culminated in winning the Ray Guy Award for the best punter in college football last season. He also set records for punting yards and averaged 48.2 yards per punt.
The Bears knew they were getting a top-tier punter with a proven track record of success when they selected Taylor. Even if star quarterback Caleb Williams 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.
