It’s no surprise that the Chicago Bears have had a successful 2024 NFL draft. But Bears General Manager did not think he would be lucky enough to be able to pick punter, Tory Taylor.

The Bears selected Iowa punter, Tory Taylor, in the fourth round. Taylor was selected at No. 122 overall which is the earliest a punter has been drafted since the San Francisco 49ers picked Mitch Wishnowsky at No. 110, in the fourth round as well, in 2019.

Ryan Poles, the Bears’ general manager, did not foresee Taylor “falling further”.  While on The Pat McAfee Show, Poles told McAfee that he did not think Taylor would get much further and definitely did not expect to be able to select him when they entered the fifth round. Poles then stated something intriguing involving the opposition.  He stated, “And, really, the thought process there is to make anyone we’re playing really uncomfortable”.

Poles then stated something intriguing involving the opposition.  He stated, “And, really, the thought process there is to make anyone we’re playing really uncomfortable”.

While Poles does not have much experience playing in the NFL, he does know that “running onto the field and having the ball spotted inside the 10-yard line is a very uncomfortable feeling. It’s disheartening at times. And I love taking advantage of field position. And, really, that should help us with points, as well.”

The Iowa punter was a two-time All-American, and the Ray Guy Award recipient, for being the nation’s top punter. Taylor averaged 48.2 yards per punt in his last year with Iowa and launched a career-long 70-yarder. Taylor’s ability to pin opponents into their own territory is something he is most skillful at.