49ers' biggest bust for 2025 has already become painfully obvious

The San Francisco 49ers spent a considerable portion of their offseason overhauling what was an injury-plagued and underachieving roster from 2024, one that ultimately concluded with a 6-11 record and last-place finish within the NFC West.

Few other roles were as hard hit than special teams, thanks to the arrival of new coordinator Brant Boyer, who didn't hesitate to dismiss punter Mitch Wishnowsky and long-snapper Taybor Pepper.

However, Boyer opted to leave embattled kicker Jake Moody in place.

Moody, the 2023 third-round NFL Draft pick out of Michigan, endured a sophomore slump late in 2024 that rivaled the struggles experienced by arguably the biggest kicker bust in league history, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers specialist Roberto Aguayo. And, while the Niners expressed hope in Moody bouncing back, they didn't hesitate to bring in some competition for him during training camp in the preseason, inking veteran journeyman Greg Joseph.

Joseph one-upped Moody during mandatory minicamp already, quite literally. If that trend continues, San Francisco might be left with little choice other than punting on the highest-drafted specialist from the 2023 class.

Jake Moody is knocking on the door of being 49ers' next bust

Moody's 70.6 field-goal success rate from 2024 was actually worse than Aguayo's one-year struggles during his lone NFL season in 2016 (71.0), although it's fair to acknowledge the former suffered a high-ankle sprain halfway through the season that should have resulted in an injured-reserve stint.

Nevertheless, Moody's inconsistencies have led to serious doubts about ever coming close to justifying the 49ers using a day-two draft pick on him.

The good news is there's still time for Moody to bounce back, provided he either matches or beats Joseph when the competition in training camp actually counts. Plus, being a Round 3 draftee with an associated contract gives him an added benefit, although the Niners may already regret having drafted him in the first place by this point.

If things don't play out that way, though, there's little doubting Moody's status as a bust will ring loud and clear within the confines of Levi's Stadium, reinforcing the notion that drafting specialists is rarely a good idea.