6 takeaways from 49ers 21-20 preseason win over Broncos

Takeaway #5: WR Ronnie Bell continues to make a name for himself

By far the biggest winner of the 49ers' offseason program was rookie seventh-round pick Ronnie Bell, whose play in OTAs and in training camp put him in a position to make the 49ers 53-man roster. He continued his stellar play against the Broncos, and he finished with 7 receptions for 114 yards. Bell was effective on screens, crossers, and deep outs—the usual staple for the 49ers offense. His work as a blocker was no joke as well.

Stats in the preseason can be empty, and Bell struggles with drops at times, but his play was still transferrable to the NFL regular season. With Ray-Ray McCloud on injured reserve to start the year, it's looking more and more likely that Bell will be dressing and producing in Pittsburgh.

Takeaway #6: Kicker is still a question mark

Drafting a kicker in the third round was never a good idea for the 49ers, regardless of how Jake Moody played.

It certainly hasn't helped matters then that Moody has had a nightmare-ish start to his NFL career, missing multiple field goals against the Raiders and an extra point against the Broncos. The only way Moody could live up to the already impossibly-high expectations set for him was to put up a pristine start to his NFL career. Unfortunately, this has been anything but that.

Moody did make up for his earlier play with a clean sheet on field goals, including a game-winner, but his progression will be one to watch as the rookie continues to get acclimated to the NFL.

All stats courtesy of ESPN.com