Welcome to the NFL young beginner! After being important players in their universities, rookies must once again earn their places in the pros. Who are they and what hopes do they raise? Come and discover these new gems.
Jake Moody
Born November 23, 1999 in Commerce, Michigan
1m85 for 95 kilos
Kicker, San Francisco 49ers
Ignored or mocked Stoink And Doink, specialists are nevertheless “people too”. (quote from journalist Rich Eisen about punters)
If I was a starter in the NFL: perfect
In five games, Jake Moody has contributed 47 points to San Francisco. With a superb 9 of 9 from three points as well as a perfect 20 of 20 in conversions, he contributes to the 49ers’ 5 victories in 5 games.
During the 2nd week against the Los Angeles Rams, he even scored a field goal from a distance of 57 yards!
If I Were a Course: A Legend at Michigan
As a child, Jake Moody played football. Or rather at soccer as the Americans say. He had aptitude for this sport but also a big flaw: he always shot above the goal!
“I was constantly shooting above!” So I said to myself that it was better to change sports: do exactly the same thing but this time be congratulated for it,” he tells Detroit Free Press
During his final season in high school, he made a record 39 three-pointers. Including one of 58 yards. Jake Moody joins the University of Michigan but as a non-scholarship student because their numbers are limited to 85 per team. However, the university had already used one on a young kicker a year earlier! Offer a scholarship to another kicker would deprive them of investing it on an offensive or defensive player.
Jake Moody will ultimately get a scholarship but for the first half of his course, he will share opportunities with Quinn Nordin. Finally a full holder, he is surgical in 2021 and 2022: 52 out of 60 at three points and a perfect 116 out of 116 in conversions! Enough to receive praise from Jim Harbaugh at a press conference.
” Legend ! I’ve followed the Michigan football team since I was a kid, played there and now I coach it, so I can say I know the subject well. Jake Moody is a legend at this position in Michigan history. »
If Jake Moody were a quality: regularity in precision
On this post, no discussion around the mechanics of the movement or athletic qualities. Regardless of the way, you have to be consistent in your precision and also have a powerful leg for the long distance. And of course, the player must have strong nerves to be able to achieve a victory kick at the end of the match.
Whether with Michigan or since his NFL debut, Jake Moody checks all the boxes. It will take that to justify and assume the status of a top 100 draft choice!
If Jake Moody was a challenge: taking on the 49ers draft pick
Jake Moody has been the highest chosen kicker in the draft since 2016 with number 99. The latest, Roberto Aguayo, was an incredible flop. For several years, the best kicker in the NFL has been Justin Tucker: undrafted in 2012 and then signed by Baltimore.
So why select a kicker so early in the draft?
Especially since in 2023, the 49ers did not have a draft choice before the 3rd round! During preseason matches, fans of the franchise began to complain about this selection given its meager performances: 3 out of 5 from three points and 1 out of 2 in conversions.
But as soon as the regular season started, Jake Moody showed his level. The hardest part will be confirming week after week.
If Jake Moody were an NFL player: Nick Folk (Titans)
Nick Folk is playing his 16th NFL season in 2023. In a position where franchises do not hesitate to change players from one season to the next, he is a quality scorer. Note that 4 tackles also appear on his career statistics!
Jake Moody, too, is capable of committing if a player returns his commitment kick: 3 tackles in 2022 with Michigan. An attitude that unites a team around you.
To get to the end, the 49ers are counting on their offensive and defensive stars, but also on the play calls of coach Kyle Shanahan. But to win the Holy Grail that is the Super Bowl, they will also need to score points: with Jake Moody, they also have this asset.
