Tory Taylor, a rookie punter for the Bears, is being considered for kickoffs due to his ‘unique’ talent.
New Bears punter Tory Taylor continues to create headlines in his first official practices with the team.
The Chicago Bears selected Iowa punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. The choice was widely analyzed by both the media and Bears fans. Since the selection, it has been clear that Tory Taylor is the real deal.
Richard Hightower, Chicago Bears special teams coordinator, says he received text messages from three NFL coaches. Hightower claimed the texts were from “angry” coaches who wanted Taylor on their squad. Taylor was also the top-rated punter in the 2024 class.
According to a new report from NBC, Taylor may already be getting a promotion.
Hightower talks about why Tory Taylor might be doing kickoffs
Tory Taylor has began punting at Bears rookie minicamp, and Hightower has even higher respect for the Australian youngster.
According to Alex Shapiro of NBC Sports Chicago, special teams coordinator Richard Hightower discussed Taylor’s talent.
Hightower described Taylor’s mix of touch and strength as “rare” among punters.
Is Australia the land of the punter?
Taylor is also an Australian native. This is crucial since there is an increase in Australian punters in the NFL. Australian punters typically have a slightly different kicking style than regular NFL punters. This is because rugby is extremely popular in Australia. A punt in rugby is still a punt; it only appears different from the kicker’s perspective.
Michael Dickson, an Australian punter, is one of the league’s top right now. The Seattle Seahawks drafted Dickson in the fifth round in 2018.
Dickson’s “rugby”-inspired kicking style established him as a formidable opponent. Dickson can routinely put the Seahawks in good field position on defense.
Takeaway’s
If Tory Taylor is anything like his fellow countryman, Michael Dickson, the Bears made an excellent draft pick. Having a good punter can significantly improve a team’s chances of winning. Winning the struggle for field position is half the game. Special teams are an important component of football. Special teams play an important role in winning and losing games, especially in the playoffs.
Tory Taylor, often known as “The Crocodile Punter,” may not have been a showy draft pick. He may turn out to be a wise one.
Leave a Reply