The Chicago Bears have selected Iowa punter Tory Taylor with the 122nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
While it might seem early for Chicago to draft a punter, Taylor is a star at his position. He’ll be a weapon for this team in how he can flip the field for the Bears defense with impressive leg strength.
It’s not hyperbole to say that Taylor was Iowa’s offense last year. He averaged 48.2 yards per punt last season, setting the single-season punting record and earning recognition as the Ray Guy Award winner for the nation’s top punter.
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According to Pro Football Focus, Taylor had a 81.4 punting grade (12th) in 2023 and has downed 116 punts inside the 20-yard line since 2020 (which is 37 more than the next best college punter).
Taylor is the second highest drafted punter since 2012.
This was the Bears’ final pick of the 2024 NFL draft. But it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them trade back into the final rounds, especially considering they’ve yet to address defensive line.