The Chicago Bears have high hopes for their upcoming 2024 season. If they are going to reach the heights they seek, it will require a solid contribution from their latest draft class. Most of the attention will be on Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. That is no surprise. Both are 1st round picks. Such players are expected to play immediately. However, they won't be alone. Another prominent selection will see action; by the sound of things, he's already making a big impression during early minicamp practices.
People were quick to dismiss the selection of Iowa punter Tory Taylor in the 4th round. Fans often look down upon punters because they play a position that holds little importance. That is far from the truth. The more accurate answer is punters are boring. You need to save draft picks for more exciting positions. GM Ryan Poles didn't care. He and the coaching staff both agreed that Taylor was a rare prospect with outstanding leg strength and accuracy. They called him a "weapon" that could change games.
Based on the buzz from Wednesday's practice, he gave people an appetizer of what was to come.
The Chicago Bears knew exactly why they drafted Taylor.
Punting was a big issue for them last season. Trenton Gill had a rough year, struggling with distance, hang time, and accuracy. Chicago always seemed to be on the wrong side of field position battles. Rather than wait around hoping Gill might improve, they opted to find somebody more proven. Taylor was the best punter in college football by a wide margin for the past two years. He ranked among the best in distance, hang time, and pinning opponents deep in their own territory. Most experts agree Iowa would've had a losing record in 2023 without his reliable punting to help cover up their awful offense.
Taylor should help ease the pressure on a young offense that is finding its way and an excellent defense that may need long fields to maximize its effectiveness. The Chicago Bears know they must be a complete team if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. They have a defense. The offense got a massive facelift. Only special teams remained. Cairo Santos is a terrific kicker. Now Taylor solves their punting issues. This could end up being a team that overruns opponents with a three-phase attack.
