NEWSLETTER
Drafting punter Tory Taylor wasn’t popular in some circles of Bears fans.
Because, as you might expect, using a fourth-round selection on punter isn’t going to be unanimously applauded. Even if that punter is Tory Taylor, the Aussie who is a University of Iowa product who was an All-American and widely regarded as the best in the business can be a bit too rich in the eyes of some.
For instance, Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports) cycled the Tory Taylor pick as one of the biggest reaches in the NFL Draft. I disagree with that stance. But as someone who is willing to hear out opposing views in a conversation, I’ll share Trapasso’s reasoning:
“Far and away the best punter in this class. Huge leg he showcased over multiple seasons and plenty of experience. Inside the 20 he’s money, too. But is this the best allocation of one of Chicago’s four picks in this draft? No.”
Even with that grade, I’m not sure it was that bad of a reach. If it was, then it probably would’ve gotten a lower grade.
Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles explains why he made the Tory Taylor pick
OK, so one CBS Sports draft analyst calls it a reach. He even gave it a “C-” grade. Even still … the Bears ended up landing an “A-” grade for their draft class from CBS. So it must not have been that much of a reach that it didn’t even sink your overall score.
Besides, you can skate through school if you get enough “C” grades. After all, “C’s get degrees” is one of those clichés that is rooted in truth. Don’t get me wrong. I encourage you to always aspire to be your best. But you’ll eventually learn in life that getting by is enough some times. Plus, no one looks back on your report card after you get out of college.
Let’s be honest with each other. Not too many folks will look back at a draft pick grade for that one time your team took a punter in the fourth round. Especially when the three picks before that were stud quarterback prospect (Caleb Williams), a receiver with star potential (Rome Odunze), and an intriguing offensive lineman (Kiran Amegadjie). If they do, they certainly won’t base your re-grade off taking a fourth-round punter.
2024 NFL DRAFT: Meet the Chicago Bears Class of 2024
With all of that being said, I love Ryan Poles’ explanation for the Tory Taylor pick.
“I didn’t expect him to get much further. Definitely didn’t think I’d be able to pick him up when we got into the fifth round,” Poles said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “And, really, the thought process there is to make anyone we’re playing really uncomfortable. I didn’t play much in the NFL, but I know 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.”
For more from Ryan Poles and his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, check out the video below:
I’m digging the imagery that comes with an uncomfortable offense being pinned deep in its own territory with a ferocious Bears defense with pass-rushers pinning their ears back and going after the quarterback. That is red meat for football fans. Pin the offense deep, force a turnover or flip the field position game, and then let Caleb and friends cook. Ideally, Tory Taylor provides those moments for the Bears in 2024 (and beyond). Because last year, those occasions were too few and far between.
Hence, Trenton Gill was put on waivers and Tory Taylor was drafted.
