WCG’s lead draft analyst takes a look at the Bears’ new Aussie punter.
With the No. 122 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears have selected Iowa punter Tory Taylor.
Taylor is the highest-second punter the Bears have had since Todd Sauerbrun went in Round 2 in 1995, as well as the second-highest punter selected in the NFL Draft in the last decade. He won the Ray Guy Award as the best punter in college football in 2023, earning a unanimous All-American nomination in the process, too.
A three-time All-Big Ten player, Taylor holds the FBS record for the highest career average in punting yards at 46.3. He has led the FBS in punts inside of the 20-yard line in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and on an Iowa team that struggled significantly on offense, he played a major role in assisting their defense by placing opposing offenses in difficult field position.
I took to the tape to break down Taylor, who is the second-highest graded punter I’ve scouted since I’ve started formally grading college tape since 2017.
THREAD: The #Bears just took one of the best punters to enter the draft in quite some time in Iowa’s Tory Taylor.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Taylor has some of the best downfield touch I’ve ever seen at his position.
He consistently is able to hit punts with just enough bounce to get down the field, but with enough hang time for his teammates to get under it. #Bears pic.twitter.com/PQjUudyROX
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Taylor has a strong leg with the ability to really push the opposition back.
His punts have tremendous bounce underneath them, especially. His sweet spot is punting from the 30 or 35-yard line, where he can do some serious damage. #Bears pic.twitter.com/rBPUh3mxBM
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Taylor is an Aussie who can punt out of the rugby delivery, but he also has very good pro-style mechanics.
His leg will be strong enough to fare well at Soldier Field. #Bears pic.twitter.com/eLOZqpdBUJ
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Taylor is a machine when it comes to pinning the opposition inside their 20-yard line.
His touchback numbers went down significantly in 2023 — with his leg and accuracy, you don’t have to worry about his punts going into the end zone. #Bears pic.twitter.com/skIO9Mpd8p
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Here are some Tory Taylor stats for #Bears fans to get excited about.
• Most punts inside the 20-yard line in 2021, 2022, 2023
• Under 100 punt return yards allowed in 2021, 2022
• 3rd in the FBS in yards/punt in 2023 (48.2)
• Ray Guy Award winner, unanimous All-American
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Is Round 4 high for a typical punter? Yes. But Tory Taylor isn’t your average punter.
He was the best offensive player on Iowa last year, and that’s not hyperbole. He’s a potential All-Pro at his position in the NFL. #Bears got themselves a good one.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
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