R4 P122: Tory Taylor, P - Iowa

[RichH55]

i found myself wondering how physically imposting trenton gill is.

You'll be able to ask him when he's working the same shift as you

[Arkansasbear]

So we had a kicker called Butt Head and now we have the Crocodile Punter.

[dplank]

He has a big leg, but his ability to place the ball is what is most enticing to me. Rugby/Aussie Rules guys know how to put English on the ball and can make it bounce how they want. When you can pin a team inside the 5 it’s damn near a turnover as teams typically just try and create a little room for their own punter and we get the bal right back. Our punters always seems to struggle with this and I can’t understand why more punters who can’t control spin don’t kick out of bounds / coffin corner. That used to be a given and now most have gone away from it. Gill was terrible at this. If we punt from midfield, we should have them at the 5. Gill would have teams at the 18 and folks were happy, that’s not good enough in that situation.

But here's the thing.

That WAS super important because we have only know how to win with defense, running the ball and field position.

The Bears shouldn't need to be that team anymore. They should be a team striving to not have to punt or to make it far enough they are going for long field goals or going for it on 4th down.

Very much disagree here. We want to be the Chiefs, not the Dolphins. A top shelf defense is still a requirement to win a Super Bowl. You can make the playoffs with an "all offense" mentality, but you won't advance in the playoffs.

[HurricaneBear]

But here's the thing.

That WAS super important because we have only know how to win with defense, running the ball and field position.

The Bears shouldn't need to be that team anymore. They should be a team striving to not have to punt or to make it far enough they are going for long field goals or going for it on 4th down.

Now obviously having a good player at ANY position is better than not. I want him to be good. But for me personally to justify this he has to be minimum top 5 at his position. In my mind that could have been a future top 10 HB or IOL or maybe even TE. All positions that still have great value in the 4th. That's what I would have done.

So let's hope he's what you think he is and I'll be on board. A punter drafted and failing is far more glaring then say if that pick was a RB that didn't work out. I'm rooting for the guy until he shows me reason not to. Just always that, what if we had pick x instead floating in my head...

You don't think that making an offense try and go 90-some yards doesn't also help the Bears offense? Short fields are what almost put Mitch Trubisky in a super bowl in 2018.

I think the amount of chances for that happening on a team with a good offense is miniscule compared to the amount of snaps say a rb could get. There are positions you can get damn good player in the 4th round, starter level or better. IOL, RB, TE and for you @dplank safety or linebacker all can be had in the 4th and can develop into players.

So what I'm saying is I hope this kid perform at a top level, because I would have spent my lotto ticket on a different position.

If you trying to act like I'm gonna hate on the kid, well I won't unless he sucks. Then he wouldn't just be a shifty punter but one that we wasted draft capital on. Say a Trenton Gill. I just wouldn't have spent a draft pick on a punter.

So here's to hoping he ends up being top 5 at his position!

[The Marshall Plan]

I think the over arching theme here is to give the rookie QB as much support as possible and Poles has gone the route of Super Duper Offense.

The defense was coming into its own after the Sweat trade.

I have no idea how Poles thinks but I’m guessing that on some level he knows that Caleb Williams = Poles’ Job.

Given that, the rookie has been given a ballyhooed OC, an elite WR combo, Kmet and a good group of RBs.

I’m excited about Super Duper Offense. It’s fun. And our defense is no slouch either.

[The Marshall Plan]

Now for the real reason why I’m here….

I really want the Bears to run with this Australia thing every time the punter does something good.

Crocodile Dundee clips on the Jumbo Tron. Let a kangaroo lead us on the field for a game or two.

What are those instruments they play? Maybe have the band play those.

Stuff like that.

[HurricaneBear]

So we had a kicker called Butt Head and now we have the Crocodile Punter.

You all should have led with "The Crocodile Punter"

far better argument for him if im being honest

[spudbear]

Now for the real reason why I’m here….

I really want the Bears to run with this Australia thing every time the punter does something good.

Crocodile Dundee clips on the Jumbo Tron. Let a kangaroo lead us on the field for a game or two.

What are those instruments they play? Maybe have the band play those.

Stuff like that.

I believe you may be thinking of a didgeredoo, mate.
.

><
Those goofy Vikings fans have a "guest" playing a Gjallarhorn before each game. Can you imagine if the Bears got somebody like Lewis Burns (from the above video) playing "Bear Down" on the didgeredoo?

That would be spectacular.

[G08]

He has a big leg, but his ability to place the ball is what is most enticing to me. Rugby/Aussie Rules guys know how to put English on the ball and can make it bounce how they want. When you can pin a team inside the 5 it’s damn near a turnover as teams typically just try and create a little room for their own punter and we get the bal right back. Our punters always seems to struggle with this and I can’t understand why more punters who can’t control spin don’t kick out of bounds / coffin corner. That used to be a given and now most have gone away from it. Gill was terrible at this. If we punt from midfield, we should have them at the 5. Gill would have teams at the 18 and folks were happy, that’s not good enough in that situation.

But here's the thing.

That WAS super important because we have only know how to win with defense, running the ball and field position.

The Bears shouldn't need to be that team anymore. They should be a team striving to not have to punt or to make it far enough they are going for long field goals or going for it on 4th down.

Now obviously having a good player at ANY position is better than not. I want him to be good. But for me personally to justify this he has to be minimum top 5 at his position. In my mind that could have been a future top 10 HB or IOL or maybe even TE. All positions that still have great value in the 4th. That's what I would have done.

So let's hope he's what you think he is and I'll be on board. A punter drafted and failing is far more glaring then say if that pick was a RB that didn't work out. I'm rooting for the guy until he shows me reason not to. Just always that, what if we had pick x instead floating in my head...

I think I read something like Taylor's punting resulted in the opposition requiring 3 more first downs per game (as opposed to touchbacks, etc). For a bend-but-don't-break defense like ours, that is GOLD.

Any opportunity where we can pin someone inside the 10 yard line, I fucking want it.

I watched this dude's punting help Iowa win a 7-3 game and all the offense scored was a field goal.



and

48 yard punt to the 8 yard line, two plays later, another safety

[Arkansasbear]

There are positions you can get damn good player in the 4th round, starter level or better. IOL, RB, TE and for you @dplank safety or linebacker all can be had in the 4th and can develop into players.

I don’t think it was a deep draft and the talent got thin at that point. I think the chances of Tory bring a top 5 punter is actually higher than anyone we could have drafted being a quality starter.

This was a unique draft. NIL kept lots of later round guys in school.

[G08]

There are positions you can get damn good player in the 4th round, starter level or better. IOL, RB, TE and for you @dplank safety or linebacker all can be had in the 4th and can develop into players.

I don’t think it was a deep draft and the talent got thin at that point. I think the chances of Tory bring a top 5 punter is actually higher than anyone we could have drafted being a quality starter.

This was a unique draft. NIL kept lots of later round guys in school.

We still got Austin Booker at 122 so I'm happy. I think you'll love this kid once you see what he can do for us.

[Bearfacts]

I can't wait for the first time a kicker makes it to him and he goes back to his AFL roots.

From a glance he seems fairly versatile in his kicks which might account for some of the stats like hang time. I.e. if it's a better option to hoof it behind the returner into touch then do it and, um, hang the hang time!

I've often wondered about the options for guys with absolute cannon legs. If 45 yards is about league leading for net punt yards and you can hoof it 70 yards or more, then just blast for distance from your own 30 and don't worry about touchbacks. Also any time you can clear the returner they've got to turn to get to the ball then turn back to return it, which is a bunch of extra time for your coverage team. When it doubt, unleash the leg dragon!

Looks like a collision between rugby and a game of keep away in a huge school yard.

[HurricaneBear]

But here's the thing.

That WAS super important because we have only know how to win with defense, running the ball and field position.

The Bears shouldn't need to be that team anymore. They should be a team striving to not have to punt or to make it far enough they are going for long field goals or going for it on 4th down.

Now obviously having a good player at ANY position is better than not. I want him to be good. But for me personally to justify this he has to be minimum top 5 at his position. In my mind that could have been a future top 10 HB or IOL or maybe even TE. All positions that still have great value in the 4th. That's what I would have done.

So let's hope he's what you think he is and I'll be on board. A punter drafted and failing is far more glaring then say if that pick was a RB that didn't work out. I'm rooting for the guy until he shows me reason not to. Just always that, what if we had pick x instead floating in my head...

I think I read something like Taylor's punting resulted in the opposition requiring 3 more first downs per game (as opposed to touchbacks, etc). For a bend-but-don't-break defense like ours, that is GOLD.

Any opportunity where we can pin someone inside the 10 yard line, I fucking want it.

I watched this dude's punting help Iowa win a 7-3 game and all the offense scored was a field goal.



and

48 yard punt to the 8 yard line, two plays later, another safety

I know you mean this in a super positive way, but when I read posts like this my initial reaction always is "God damnit why do my fellow Bears fans love 7-3 games so fucking much?!?!?"

I see more and more coming around to my life long dream of Super Duper Offense. My brother in arms @The Marshall Plan was one of the first to speak up(and coin the phrase) I am eagerly awaiting everyone to come aboard the train(if anyone is older than me and has dreamed longer of this then, respect)

Beecause winning shoot outs(or losing them) is alot more fun to watch then defensive struggles(imo). I want to celebrate passing records and touchdowns with my Bears family. I want to see an offense better than the Alshon. Bmarsh, Black Unicorn trio. Not punts being downed inside the 5. The punts should be a very occasional snack, not the main course.

I loved me some fucking Brad Maynard. I shouldn't have had to love him so much. Offensive ineptitude has ruined a lifetime of Fandom. We are the only team to not have a 4000 yard passer or 30 TD guy. Our receiving record could be broke on a rookie contract. I haven't looked up Cutler's records but it wouldn't shock me if Caleb could break all of those on his rookie deal. It's beyond pathetic.

BUT I've waited this long. I can wait one more season for this train to fill up. Enjoy your punter while you think we still need it. I'm hoping he turns out to be top 5, and everyone thinks he's the best ever because he needs to punt so few times whatever flaws he is sure to have are never exposed

[HurricaneBear]

There are positions you can get damn good player in the 4th round, starter level or better. IOL, RB, TE and for you @dplank safety or linebacker all can be had in the 4th and can develop into players.

I don’t think it was a deep draft and the talent got thin at that point. I think the chances of Tory bring a top 5 punter is actually higher than anyone we could have drafted being a quality starter.

This was a unique draft. NIL kept lots of later round guys in school.

If he ends up being a top 5 punter, I have little issues with the pick. Poles needs to have nailed this one. Hopefully he learned from whatever went wrong with Gill

[Shadow]

I am good with this pick. I just can not stand to see another Shanked Punt by Gill when it matters in a a close game.

[G08]

I think I read something like Taylor's punting resulted in the opposition requiring 3 more first downs per game (as opposed to touchbacks, etc). For a bend-but-don't-break defense like ours, that is GOLD.

Any opportunity where we can pin someone inside the 10 yard line, I fucking want it.

I watched this dude's punting help Iowa win a 7-3 game and all the offense scored was a field goal.



and

48 yard punt to the 8 yard line, two plays later, another safety

I know you mean this in a super positive way, but when I read posts like this my initial reaction always is "God damnit why do my fellow Bears fans love 7-3 games so fucking much?!?!?"

I see more and more coming around to my life long dream of Super Duper Offense. My brother in arms @The Marshall Plan was one of the first to speak up(and coin the phrase) I am eagerly awaiting everyone to come aboard the train(if anyone is older than me and has dreamed longer of this then, respect)

Beecause winning shoot outs(or losing them) is alot more fun to watch then defensive struggles(imo). I want to celebrate passing records and touchdowns with my Bears family. I want to see an offense better than the Alshon. Bmarsh, Black Unicorn trio. Not punts being downed inside the 5. The punts should be a very occasional snack, not the main course.

I loved me some fucking Brad Maynard. I shouldn't have had to love him so much. Offensive ineptitude has ruined a lifetime of Fandom. We are the only team to not have a 4000 yard passer or 30 TD guy. Our receiving record could be broke on a rookie contract. I haven't looked up Cutler's records but it wouldn't shock me if Caleb could break all of those on his rookie deal. It's beyond pathetic.

BUT I've waited this long. I can wait one more season for this train to fill up. Enjoy your punter while you think we still need it. I'm hoping he turns out to be top 5, and everyone thinks he's the best ever because he needs to punt so few times whatever flaws he is sure to have are never exposed

Bro I fucking HATED that game (Iowa Hawkeye fan here)! I'm just saying, even when a team has the worst offense in modern football history, a punter can help you.

A quality punter is a weapon, field position / pinning teams inside the 10, 5 yard line is a weapon. Would you rather make Patrick Mahomes drive 95 yards to score rather than 75? I sure as hell would.

I'm thinking down the line, if we want a championship team then we need to have the field tilt in our favor at every position possible -- punter included.

[RichH55]

I don’t think it was a deep draft and the talent got thin at that point. I think the chances of Tory bring a top 5 punter is actually higher than anyone we could have drafted being a quality starter.

This was a unique draft. NIL kept lots of later round guys in school.

If he ends up being a top 5 punter, I have little issues with the pick. Poles needs to have nailed this one. Hopefully he learned from whatever went wrong with Gill

There is definitely a bit of a higher bar for this pick to be successful

[UOK]

Taylor will wear #19.

[Arkansasbear]

I think I read something like Taylor's punting resulted in the opposition requiring 3 more first downs per game (as opposed to touchbacks, etc). For a bend-but-don't-break defense like ours, that is GOLD.

Any opportunity where we can pin someone inside the 10 yard line, I fucking want it.

I watched this dude's punting help Iowa win a 7-3 game and all the offense scored was a field goal.



and

48 yard punt to the 8 yard line, two plays later, another safety

I know you mean this in a super positive way, but when I read posts like this my initial reaction always is "God damnit why do my fellow Bears fans love 7-3 games so fucking much?!?!?"

I see more and more coming around to my life long dream of Super Duper Offense. My brother in arms @The Marshall Plan was one of the first to speak up(and coin the phrase) I am eagerly awaiting everyone to come aboard the train(if anyone is older than me and has dreamed longer of this then, respect)

Beecause winning shoot outs(or losing them) is alot more fun to watch then defensive struggles(imo). I want to celebrate passing records and touchdowns with my Bears family. I want to see an offense better than the Alshon. Bmarsh, Black Unicorn trio. Not punts being downed inside the 5. The punts should be a very occasional snack, not the main course.

I loved me some fucking Brad Maynard. I shouldn't have had to love him so much. Offensive ineptitude has ruined a lifetime of Fandom. We are the only team to not have a 4000 yard passer or 30 TD guy. Our receiving record could be broke on a rookie contract. I haven't looked up Cutler's records but it wouldn't shock me if Caleb could break all of those on his rookie deal. It's beyond pathetic.

BUT I've waited this long. I can wait one more season for this train to fill up. Enjoy your punter while you think we still need it. I'm hoping he turns out to be top 5, and everyone thinks he's the best ever because he needs to punt so few times whatever flaws he is sure to have are never exposed

I freaking love see a strong defense (granted that's where I played my entire career). The main thing I want is to no longer see an offense that simply has no clue or no shot at being productive. Seen far to much of that with this team.

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Beecause winning shoot outs(or losing them) is alot more fun to watch then defensive struggles(imo). I want to celebrate passing records and touchdowns with my Bears family. I want to see an offense better than the Alshon. Bmarsh, Black Unicorn trio. Not punts being downed inside the 5. The punts should be a very occasional snack, not the main course.

I loved me some fucking Brad Maynard. I shouldn't have had to love him so much. Offensive ineptitude has ruined a lifetime of Fandom. We are the only team to not have a 4000 yard passer or 30 TD guy. Our receiving record could be broke on a rookie contract. I haven't looked up Cutler's records but it wouldn't shock me if Caleb could break all of those on his rookie deal. It's beyond pathetic.

BUT I've waited this long. I can wait one more season for this train to fill up. Enjoy your punter while you think we still need it. I'm hoping he turns out to be top 5, and everyone thinks he's the best ever because he needs to punt so few times whatever flaws he is sure to have are never exposed

Of all fans, those who follow the Bears should appreciate the value of special teams. Remember how good we had it when Toub was here? It wasn't all Hester, as fun as he was to watch. Those teams had multiple players who excelled on special teams. It gave the Bears an advantage.

It wasn't long ago we were lamenting losing the reliability of Robbie Gould and shuffling through a series of inadequate replacements. (It even cost us a shot at the Super Bowl.) Now we have Santos and we're no longer worried about FGs; we're back to expecting our kicker to nail them.

We have still been frustrated by poor punting and a consistent failure to both get the team out of trouble when drives stall deep in the Bears' own half and failure to pin teams deep when the offense doesn't quite make it into FG range. Hopefully Taylor will rectify both.

I also wonder whether he might be deployed on KOs given the new format. Teams can no longer simply boot the ball through the end zone unless they want to give their opponents the ball on the 30 yard line. Even if the ball lands in the 20 yard target area and bounces through the end zone that still applies. The value of getting a ball to bounce backwards is therefore going to be huge. It's a skill top punters have but not one kickers have ever needed. Can a punter adapt that technique to kicking off a tee? It will be interesting to see if there's a move towards punters taking KOs leaving kickers to focus solely on FGs and PATs.

[malk]

I can't wait for the first time a kicker makes it to him and he goes back to his AFL roots.

From a glance he seems fairly versatile in his kicks which might account for some of the stats like hang time. I.e. if it's a better option to hoof it behind the returner into touch then do it and, um, hang the hang time!

I've often wondered about the options for guys with absolute cannon legs. If 45 yards is about league leading for net punt yards and you can hoof it 70 yards or more, then just blast for distance from your own 30 and don't worry about touchbacks. Also any time you can clear the returner they've got to turn to get to the ball then turn back to return it, which is a bunch of extra time for your coverage team. When it doubt, unleash the leg dragon!

Looks like a collision between rugby and a game of keep away in a huge school yard.

I don't understand it at all to be honest! GAA much better in any case.

[wab]

Beecause winning shoot outs(or losing them) is alot more fun to watch then defensive struggles(imo). I want to celebrate passing records and touchdowns with my Bears family. I want to see an offense better than the Alshon. Bmarsh, Black Unicorn trio. Not punts being downed inside the 5. The punts should be a very occasional snack, not the main course.

I loved me some fucking Brad Maynard. I shouldn't have had to love him so much. Offensive ineptitude has ruined a lifetime of Fandom. We are the only team to not have a 4000 yard passer or 30 TD guy. Our receiving record could be broke on a rookie contract. I haven't looked up Cutler's records but it wouldn't shock me if Caleb could break all of those on his rookie deal. It's beyond pathetic.

BUT I've waited this long. I can wait one more season for this train to fill up. Enjoy your punter while you think we still need it. I'm hoping he turns out to be top 5, and everyone thinks he's the best ever because he needs to punt so few times whatever flaws he is sure to have are never exposed

Of all fans, those who follow the Bears should appreciate the value of special teams. Remember how good we had it when Toub was here? It wasn't all Hester, as fun as he was to watch. Those teams had multiple players who excelled on special teams. It gave the Bears an advantage.

It wasn't long ago we were lamenting losing the reliability of Robbie Gould and shuffling through a series of inadequate replacements. (It even cost us a shot at the Super Bowl.) Now we have Santos and we're no longer worried about FGs; we're back to expecting our kicker to nail them.

We have still been frustrated by poor punting and a consistent failure to both get the team out of trouble when drives stall deep in the Bears' own half and failure to pin teams deep when the offense doesn't quite make it into FG range. Hopefully Taylor will rectify both.

I also wonder whether he might be deployed on KOs given the new format. Teams can no longer simply boot the ball through the end zone unless they want to give their opponents the ball on the 30 yard line. Even if the ball lands in the 20 yard target area and bounces through the end zone that still applies. The value of getting a ball to bounce backwards is therefore going to be huge. It's a skill top punters have but not one kickers have ever needed. Can a punter adapt that technique to kicking off a tee? It will be interesting to see if there's a move towards punters taking KOs leaving kickers to focus solely on FGs and PATs.

The Bears special teams back then is also one of the primary reasons the rules have changed. They had the best wedge I think I've ever seen. And then when you have guys like Izzy Idonije trucking down the field as a wedge buster on the other side, and Henry Melton returning kicks so that Hester could have a breather...the NFL had to do something.

[The Marshall Plan]

I think I read something like Taylor's punting resulted in the opposition requiring 3 more first downs per game (as opposed to touchbacks, etc). For a bend-but-don't-break defense like ours, that is GOLD.

Any opportunity where we can pin someone inside the 10 yard line, I fucking want it.

I watched this dude's punting help Iowa win a 7-3 game and all the offense scored was a field goal.



and

48 yard punt to the 8 yard line, two plays later, another safety

I know you mean this in a super positive way, but when I read posts like this my initial reaction always is "God damnit why do my fellow Bears fans love 7-3 games so fucking much?!?!?"

I see more and more coming around to my life long dream of Super Duper Offense. My brother in arms @The Marshall Plan was one of the first to speak up(and coin the phrase) I am eagerly awaiting everyone to come aboard the train(if anyone is older than me and has dreamed longer of this then, respect)

Beecause winning shoot outs(or losing them) is alot more fun to watch then defensive struggles(imo). I want to celebrate passing records and touchdowns with my Bears family. I want to see an offense better than the Alshon. Bmarsh, Black Unicorn trio. Not punts being downed inside the 5. The punts should be a very occasional snack, not the main course.

I loved me some fucking Brad Maynard. I shouldn't have had to love him so much. Offensive ineptitude has ruined a lifetime of Fandom. We are the only team to not have a 4000 yard passer or 30 TD guy. Our receiving record could be broke on a rookie contract. I haven't looked up Cutler's records but it wouldn't shock me if Caleb could break all of those on his rookie deal. It's beyond pathetic.

BUT I've waited this long. I can wait one more season for this train to fill up. Enjoy your punter while you think we still need it. I'm hoping he turns out to be top 5, and everyone thinks he's the best ever because he needs to punt so few times whatever flaws he is sure to have are never exposed

This whole punter thing is crazy.

There have to be enough FA punters to block out the sky.

Or get somebody from a soccer league.

I do not understand the fascination with people cheering us drafting a punter in the fourth round.

I mean OK, a good punter is worth an extra X in field position. I agree with that but do you need a fourth rounder to achieve that? IDK.

To me Super Duper Offense is the priority. The defense should be top half of the league without a problem. Now add the ability to drop 30 on anybody. That’s a hard combo to beat.

I don’t know who I would’ve drafted instead but a punter seems a touch much especially given the need on DL.

[Hema2.0]

Do we all still trust Ryan Poles or is this punter pick in the 4th round of a pretty weak back half 2024 draft what puts us over the edge?

[G08]

Do we all still trust Ryan Poles or is this punter pick in the 4th round of a pretty weak back half 2024 draft what puts us over the edge?

I think he said Tory Taylor is one of the best punters he's ever seen, so if we trust his evaluation skills we should trust them here.

[G08]

During a Wednesday interview on the Pat McAfee Show, Poles explained why he selected Taylor at No. 122.

“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. “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.

“So, I think it’s going to add to our team and make it uncomfortable and difficult for any team we’re going against.”

[HurricaneBear]

Do we all still trust Ryan Poles or is this punter pick in the 4th round of a pretty weak back half 2024 draft what puts us over the edge?

I still trust Poles. Disagreeing isnt the same as mistrust. I'm far angrier at Poles for paying a RB then I am drafting a punter and even that was a minor blip. But hes the paid professional im the schmuck on a message board. My ass ain't gonna get fired if I screw up a pick lol. Of course I still trust him. He delivered me Super Duper Offense. He's all good in my book

And let me also state, on game days none of this bullshit matters. They are Bears and I want them to succeed.

[UOK]

[Bears Whiskey Nut]

I know you mean this in a super positive way, but when I read posts like this my initial reaction always is "God damnit why do my fellow Bears fans love 7-3 games so fucking much?!?!?"

I see more and more coming around to my life long dream of Super Duper Offense. My brother in arms @The Marshall Plan was one of the first to speak up(and coin the phrase) I am eagerly awaiting everyone to come aboard the train(if anyone is older than me and has dreamed longer of this then, respect)

Beecause winning shoot outs(or losing them) is alot more fun to watch then defensive struggles(imo). I want to celebrate passing records and touchdowns with my Bears family. I want to see an offense better than the Alshon. Bmarsh, Black Unicorn trio. Not punts being downed inside the 5. The punts should be a very occasional snack, not the main course.

I loved me some fucking Brad Maynard. I shouldn't have had to love him so much. Offensive ineptitude has ruined a lifetime of Fandom. We are the only team to not have a 4000 yard passer or 30 TD guy. Our receiving record could be broke on a rookie contract. I haven't looked up Cutler's records but it wouldn't shock me if Caleb could break all of those on his rookie deal. It's beyond pathetic.

BUT I've waited this long. I can wait one more season for this train to fill up. Enjoy your punter while you think we still need it. I'm hoping he turns out to be top 5, and everyone thinks he's the best ever because he needs to punt so few times whatever flaws he is sure to have are never exposed

This whole punter thing is crazy.

There have to be enough FA punters to block out the sky.

Or get somebody from a soccer league.

I do not understand the fascination with people cheering us drafting a punter in the fourth round.

I mean OK, a good punter is worth an extra X in field position. I agree with that but do you need a fourth rounder to achieve that? IDK.

To me Super Duper Offense is the priority. The defense should be top half of the league without a problem. Now add the ability to drop 30 on anybody. That’s a hard combo to beat.

I don’t know who I would’ve drafted instead but a punter seems a touch much especially given the need on DL.

Punting is not as simple as having a strong leg and kicking the ball. Good punters put different kinds of spin on the ball. They know how to angle the punt, or how to kick it for hangtime vs distance. The first game we are up by 3 pts with a minute left, and Taylor kills the ball on the four yard line, you'll jumping up and down that we picked a punter in the 4th round.

[wab]

This whole punter thing is crazy.

There have to be enough FA punters to block out the sky.

Or get somebody from a soccer league.

I do not understand the fascination with people cheering us drafting a punter in the fourth round.

I mean OK, a good punter is worth an extra X in field position. I agree with that but do you need a fourth rounder to achieve that? IDK.

To me Super Duper Offense is the priority. The defense should be top half of the league without a problem. Now add the ability to drop 30 on anybody. That’s a hard combo to beat.

I don’t know who I would’ve drafted instead but a punter seems a touch much especially given the need on DL.

I went back and looked. Tanor Bortolini and Mason McCormick went a few picks earlier. Cade Stover went the pick afterwards. Then like 8 RBs went to close out the 4th round. SVP went at the top of R5.

Honestly the player I would have taken instead of Taylor was Austin Booker. I suppose one of Sedrick Van Pran/Cade Stover plus still being able to get Booker would have been a smidge better, but there were no DTs taken after Taylor for the rest of the draft that I had much of an interest in. Maybe Gabe Hall.

So...I really have zero complaints. about how it all worked out.