Jake Moody remains on the San Francisco 49ers roster—much to the frustration of a vocal segment of the fanbase. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan has made it clear that the team plans to bring in competition for the third-year kicker, who struggled significantly in 2024.
The 49ers have been evaluating young kickers, but Shanahan noted they are more likely to sign a veteran after the draft to challenge Moody.
"Yeah, we're going to bring someone else in," Shanahan said on Tuesday. "I know we weren't going to go out and sign a guy right away in free agency, but I know [special teams coordinator] Brant [Boyer] and [assistant special teams coach] Colt [Anderson] are looking into some kickers throughout all these kicking camps, throughout the colleges and stuff.
"But we'd more likely like to add in a veteran, and hopefully, get him in here after draft time."
ESPN's ideal draft picks
ESPN analyst Jordan Reid outlined his ideal picks for all 11 of the 49ers' draft selections, including a kicker—though not until their final pick. Reid emphasizes addressing the trenches early, projecting a pass rusher in the first round and an offensive tackle in the second.
Reid's ideal picks for the 49ers:
- 11. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
- 43. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
- 75. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
- 100. Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
- 113. Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia
- 138. Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
- 147. Woody Marks, RB, USC
- 160. Jake Majors, C/G, Texas
- 227. Thomas Fidone II, TE, Nebraska
- 249. Kobe King, LB, Penn State
- 252. Andres Borregales, K, Miami
"Addressing the trenches should be at the forefront," Reid explained. "Outside of edge rusher Nick Bosa, the team lacks consistent options along the defensive front and needs multiple long-term choices on the offensive line. Walker gives the 49ers an explosive and versatile option off the edge, and Farmer and Kennard can contribute early or at least provide depth. Ersery could serve as the eventual heir apparent to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams or bring immediate competition at right tackle.
"Elsewhere on defense, Porter is a rangy and athletic zone corner with strong ball skills. And if Jake Moody struggles again, adding a powerful kicker such as Borregales wouldn't hurt."
Day 3 sleeper?
Another potential late-round option for the 49ers is Zah Frazier, a 6-foot-3 cornerback from Texas-San Antonio who turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine. Frazier posted a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, a 36.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-6 broad jump, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
Reid acknowledges that Frazier is an ideal fit for zone-heavy defensive schemes, and his physical attributes could make him a valuable late-round pick.
"He tied for second in the FBS with six interceptions last season, and his reactionary skills complement his size," Reid wrote. "Frazier's age -- he'll be 25 in October -- might push him down the board, but he could quickly outplay his draft slot. The 49ers, Bills and Vikings are three teams that feature zone heavy schemes and have needs at the position."