Iowa Perspective: Get to Know New Bears Punter Tory Taylor

Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze were the slam-dunk celebratory picks headling the Chicago Bears' 2024 NFL Draft class. But there was arguably no selection dissected more than Tory Taylor, the Iowa punter drafted in the fourth round. In the latest edition of "Meet the Newest Chicago Bears," we discussed the Bears' new punter with @JeffreytheGreek, a former Hawkeye football player and a current co-host of the popular Big Ten podcast, "Eyes on the Big Ten."

Sunny Verma: Iowa has built its reputation as a team focused on defense and special teams. How much does Tory Taylor have to do with the success of what Iowa has done so well the last few years?

Jeffrey: All props to our special teams coach LeVar Woods — he’s overseen all of this. And I think Tory Taylor has been a huge part of that overall success, along with another draft pick Cooper DeJean…who was a master at downing Taylor’s punts not only inside the 10…but often times inside the three!

Sunny: Do you think Iowa relied too much on Taylor?

Jeffrey: A lot of negative things have been said about Iowa’s offense the past few years. And unfortunately, most of it’s true. With that said, it was the right game plan for Iowa. When you have that type of (pardon the pun) special play from your punt team…you go ahead and punt when other teams don’t. Why risk a turnover on third-and-seven when you can put the other offense in peril deep in their territory against another strength: the Iowa defense?

Sunny: Tory was drafted in the fourth round, which is extremely early in the draft for a punter. Highlight his strengths and what general manager Ryan Poles may have seen in his tape to take him with the last pick the Bears had [at the time] in the draft.

Jeffrey: Although he has a great leg, I think it’s on par with the other big boomers in the NFL. What sets him apart is his freaky accuracy and consistency to make the football die inside the five. Taylor makes an oblong die like a Scottie Scheffler does with a gap wedge!

Sunny: Ok so I need to ask, does Tory have any weaknesses?

Jeffrey: Even if he did, Iowa fans wouldn't tell! 

[Note from Sunny: Honestly, the only weakness I can find was that maybe he was a little old to be drafted; he's 26 years old. Other than that, when they say Tory may be the best punter ever in college, they're not kidding.]

Sunny: Thank you so much for your time today Jeffrey!

Jeffrey: No problem! Just remember, punters are people too! And you guys just drafted a fantastic one.

You can check out @JeffreytheGreek's work below:

X/Twitter: @JeffreytheGreek
Eyes on the Big Ten podcast