Moody was seen as the top kicker in the draft class for the 49ers, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, who isn't scheduled to pick on Day 3 until No. 155 in the fifth round.
However, this pick comes with significant risk, especially when understanding the history behind the position in the NFL Draft.
There are several gems around the league that are found via undrafted free agency, and those who are drafted aren't taken with a high selection, as the earliest any of those seven kickers were taken was Matt Gay, who was selected with the No. 145 pick, a fifth-rounder.
In fact, only one other kicker has been selected before the fifth round since the Buccaneers infamously took Aguayo in the second round: Cleveland kicker Cade York, who hit only 75% of his field goals during his rookie season in 2022, and ranked 24th in extra point percentage.
Moody is a talented player, but the selection seemed to happen too early for the position, even with the 49ers' current roster situation.
The pick becomes even more emphasized when talented edge rushers, offensive linemen, and cornerbacks were all on the board, where San Francisco could've benefitted from more depth.
Additionally, the 49ers could've looked to trade down into the fourth round if they were deadset on Moody, recouping value where they don't have selections, rather than reaching for a kicker at No. 99.
There is immediate pressure on Moody to succeed, who should now automatically be seen as San Francisco's starting option in 2023, given the investment placed on the kicker, and how history is against his side.
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
These 7 49ers players are inactive vs. Eagles
The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. These seven players will not suit up for the game. Inactives: LB Luke Gifford (quadricep) DL Kevin Givens RB Isaac Guerendo CB Chase... -
49ers vs. Eagles injury updates: George Kittle suffers Achilles injury
The San Francisco 49ers are facing the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in a Wild Card playoff game. Below are the latest in-game injury updates for the 49ers. This article will be updated in real time as new information becomes available. Players are listed in... -
49ers players react as Fred Warner returns to practice during playoff push
The San Francisco 49ers opened Fred Warner's practice window on Tuesday, a key step toward a potential return by the All-Pro linebacker in the NFC Championship Game. Still, the team isn't looking past the immediate task at hand: a Divisional Round playoff matchup against the... -
49ers will travel to Philadelphia for NFC Wild Card Game on Jan 11
The San Francisco 49ers will travel to Philadelphia to play the defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles next weekend in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs. The 49ers are the 6th seed in the NFC, which means they will play a much tougher opening round game than if they had...