Iowa Hawkeyes punter Tory Taylor was the first punter taken in the NFL Draft this year. His impressive punting skills and consistency caught the attention of the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the fourth round of the draft. Despite being a key player for a struggling Hawkeyes team, Taylor’s performance on the field spoke for itself. He set new NCAA records with his remarkable average of 48.2 yards per punt last season and a career average of 46.3 yards per punt. His single-season record of 4,479 punting yards had stood for over eight decades before he broke it.
Taylor’s achievements in college football did not go unnoticed, as he won the Ray Guy Award for the best punter in the nation last season. He became the first punter taken in this year’s draft ahead of other notable punters like Jordan Stout and Jake Camarda. The Bears made a significant investment in Taylor, but their payoff could be worth it if he delivers the consistency and performance needed at the professional level as a reliable punter can be a valuable asset for any football team.
The Bears had ample film on Taylor showcasing his impressive punting skills and consistency, which is why they selected him so early in the draft. It is unusual for kickers or punters to be drafted as high as Taylor was, but his performance on the field spoke volumes about his abilities.
In conclusion, Tory Taylor was an excellent player for Iowa Hawkeyes team that struggled offensively, giving him plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills on field
