CBS Sports delivered their customary post-draft grades on Monday, keeping the NFL Draft buzz alive for yet another day. In their exhaustive article titled “NFL Draft 2024 grades for all 32 teams,” CBS evaluated each team’s draft class. While the Bears received an A+ for selecting Caleb Williams, the standout quarterback, their “worst pick” garnered more attention.
The Bears’ selection of Tory Taylor, a punter from Iowa, in the fourth round, drew criticism from CBS Sports. The reasoning was straightforward: given the abundance of punters available and the Bears’ limited number of draft picks, it seemed like an extravagant choice. While there’s merit to this assessment, it’s also worth considering Taylor’s exceptional talent, highlighted by his performance as Iowa’s standout punter last season. Nonetheless, even if Taylor proves to be an exceptional punter, he’s unlikely to outshine the impact of top picks like Williams or Rome Odunze.
The episode underscores the challenge of evaluating draft classes with limited picks. However, in the digital age, considerations like online engagement and page views can’t be ignored. The Bears’ decision to prioritize a punter in the fourth round, alongside securing a franchise quarterback, made them an easy target for criticism. Ultimately, building a football team involves balancing on-field talent with considerations for online reception—a lesson not lost on teams navigating the modern NFL landscape.
