The 49ers attracted a lot of skeptics when they selected kicker Jake Moody 99th overall in the third round of this year's NFL Draft. 

During preseason, the critical voices grew louder when Moody missed two field goals in his exhibition debut against the Raiders and was off-target with an extra point in a tuneup with the Broncos.

But through three successive regular-season victories, San Francisco's decision to spend their second selection of the draft on Moody has looked increasingly astute.

The former Michigan kicker, whom the 49ers drafted because of the added upside of his massive leg compared to his predecessor Robbie Gould, is a perfect nine for nine on his field goal attempts so far. 

On top of that, he has converted all nine of his extra points and has already shown off his prowess in splitting the uprights from distance, hitting from 57 yards against the Rams in Week 2.

Moody is tied with Brandon Aubrey of the Cowboys for the most points by a kicker in the NFL this season, racking up 36 across his first three games.

His success is matched by that of another highly drafted 49ers special teamer, with 2019 fourth-round pick Mitch Wishnowsky also enjoying a strong start.

Wishnowsky is third in net punting yards over average and tied for third in punts inside the 20, the Australian having pinned opponents in that area of the field on seven of his punts so far in 2023.

The selections of both Wishnowsky and Moody raised eyebrows but, in a season that has to this point been largely faultless, their contributions could prove pivotal to San Francisco's Super Bowl hopes if the duo can maintain the consistency they have displayed to this point.

49ers favored to finally end their long wait for a sixth Super Bowl title

There’s a lot of faith in the Niners.