49ers appear poised to repeat NFL draft mistake

The San Francisco 49ers continue to look into kickers and punters during their draft process. According to NFL and college football analyst Ryan Fowler , 49ers special teams coordinator Brant Boyer had a private meeting with Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouse. Fowler added that San Francisco has shown interest in Stonehouse "throughout the process" and are expected to draft a punter or sign an undrafted free agent.

This is not an uncommon thing for the 49ers. San Francisco drafted punter Mitch Wishnowsky in the fourth round of the 2019 draft before taking kicker Jake Moody in the third round of the 2023 draft. However, taking these players with any selection is usually met with criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Wishnowsky wasn't an awful selection — he played six seasons with the 49ers. But San Francisco missed out on potential starters at other, arguably more important positions like safety Amani Hooker, guard Hjalte Froholdt, guard Ben Powers and even running back Tony Pollard. Moody was perhaps an even worse pick, though, as the 49ers took him late in the third round and released him after just 32 games.

The players picked around Moody weren't great, either, but the positional value just isn't worth it at that high of a draft pick. The 49ers are also reportedly looking at Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez in the draft, despite giving kicker Eddy Piñeiro a new contract this offseason. Stonehouse is a solid prospect, but certainly one the 49ers should wait until the final moments of the draft to take or try to sign him after the draft ends.