Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Wednesday, May 28th, 2025
49ers’ Jake Moody aims to trade distance for accuracy with new kicking approach (paywall)
“That started back in March, when Moody hit a practice field in Naples, Fla., with longtime kicking coach Brandon Kornblue. They have been together since Moody was in middle school and the usual ball-contact drills soon turned to something else. They started tweaking his stance and how far back he was from the ball and then got rid of the third jab step.
“You have to be careful when you change something like that, because he had been so successful for so long with the three steps,” Kornblue said in a phone interview.
Kornblue thinks that while most young kickers use three steps, about half of the NFL’s kickers use two because they have strong legs and can afford to trade in a little power for better accuracy.
“Jake and I had talked about doing this in the past, but because he was kicking so well, I didn’t feel like it was smart,” Kornblue said. “But then with the injury and all that, he felt comfortable with the change.”
Moody also turned to former 49ers kicker Robbie Gould, who agreed that the change made sense.
“I felt like I’ve had some inconsistencies with my first jab step,” Moody said. “So I figured if I just get rid of that step altogether and I just take two steps instead of the three, it’s less room for error.”
There are fewer worries about planting his foot in a different spot, which will help his consistency.
“There are some things that, technically, you have to adjust,” Kornblue said. “You do lose a little bit of power — how much varies from guy to guy — but you’re trying to improve your consistency and accuracy. That being said, he is still hitting the ball 65 to 70 yards.”
49ers exec reveals draft philosophy that led to under-the-radar picks (paywall)
“If a college prospect has traits that are strikingly similar to one of the 49ers’ current or past players, it’s viewed as a benefit that can help eliminate guesswork. For example, how will a potential draft pick that played in a 3-4 defense in college fit in the 49ers’ 4-3 scheme? The past can help inform the 49ers’ projections and evaluations during the pre-draft process.
“We love comparisons,” director of player personnel Tariq Ahmad said. “We love to study and compare the two (players) off tape. I think the best way to reduce mistakes is to have accurate comparisons. Not only the product they put on tape, but the measurements we get from testing. Then, also, the people (and their character). If we can check those three, we’re probably going to hit at a higher rate.”
The 49ers’ philosophy explains why they think they hit on three players in April’s draft — linebacker Nick Martin (third round), cornerback Upton Stout (third) and defensive tackle C.J. West (fourth) — who don’t appear to measure up.”
49ers insider: Brandon Aiyuk still expected to start 2025 season on PUP
“I would think that, right now, when the season starts, the 49ers are thinking that they won’t have Brandon Aiyuk on the field early on, but we’ll see,” Maiocco added. “A lot of it will have to do with just what happens now.
“I know he’s at the facility, working out every day, so he’s on a good track from that standpoint. But I would think that he’s going to miss some time at the beginning of the year.”
“Media access begins Thursday, May 29, offering the first opportunity to observe practice and speak with players and coaches. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is scheduled to address reporters following the session.
Next week, additional members of the coaching staff will meet with the media, including defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, June 4.”