We have reached Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft, and while most of the top players are off the board now, there is always good value that can be found in the later rounds of the draft. However, that didn't stop Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers from picking the first kicker of the draft in the third round on Friday night.

One of the big questions every year is when the first special teams players at kicker and punter will come off the board, and the 49ers opted to bite the bullet and be the first team to draft a kicker in the third-round. That's a pretty early time to draft a kicker, and afterwards, Shanahan acknowledged that his friends were giving him a hard time for drafting a kicker so early.

Via Michael Silver:

Article Continues Below
More San Francisco 49ers News
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) signals from the line of scrimmage against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.
NFL rumors: Bills, 49ers among contenders that should seek Tyreek Hill tradeJaren Kawada ·
Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. 49ers
Eagles legend Brandon Graham explains Bryce Huff flop after 49ers tradeChristopher Hennessy ·
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan (center) with 49ers center Drake Nugent (left) and Oregon running back Jordan James (right)
3 San Francisco 49ers hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) looks on in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
49ers’ George Kittle admits frustration about rookies for being intimidatedRichard Pereira ·
Oct 23, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reacts after the 49ers lost a fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
1 San Francisco 49ers player with most to prove at OTAsJaren Kawada ·
(Left to right) San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54), quarterback Brock Purdy (13), offensive tackle Trent Williams (71), wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19), running back Christian McCaffrey (23), tight end George Kittle (85) celebrate after winning the NFC Championship football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium.
Fred Warner shouts out 49ers’ front office for Brock Purdy, George Kittle extensionsZachary Weinberger ·

“After the Niners drafted Michigan's Jake Moody, HC Kyle Shanahan got texts ‘from all my friends' around the league making fun of him for taking a kicker in the third round. I suggested that he'd have done the same to them. ‘Damn right I would have,' he said, laughing…”

Having a reliable kicker is extremely important in the NFL nowadays, but for the most part, you can usually pick up a top-tier kicker on Day 3 of the draft. However, Shanahan knew this was a big need for the Niners, and was willing to take some of the jokes that came with his selection. If Jake Moody ends up hitting his kicks, though, Shanahan will likely end up being the last one laughing.