Why Is SF’s Top Corner So Underrated?

Last week, Pro Football Focus revealed its cornerback rankings for the upcoming 2025 season. However, they weren’t too kind to the 49ers' secondary unit. Top 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was placed as the 23rd-ranked cornerback in the NFL after coming off a season where he had two interceptions and nine pass deflections in coverage. His success over the past couple of seasons earned him a hefty five-year extension worth up to $88.8 million. Comparatively, former All-Pro teammate Charvarius Ward was 15th on the list while being less impactful than Lenoir in 2024. Lenoir is known around the 49ers organization as a trash talker and has never shied away from backing up his words with his performance on the field.

The fourth-year defensive back still looks to prove himself to the entire league on the field each week. Lenoir has allowed just one touchdown in his last 32 games, which isn’t something many other top cornerbacks can say. “We’re gonna revisit this 23rd ranking or whatever and we’re gonna see who gets the last laugh,” Lenoir said when asked about his PFF ranking. “It’s about who shows up on Sundays, and I’m betting on myself again.” What makes Lenoir underrated is his versatility to play on the outside, on top of his development into one of the best nickels in the sport. He isn’t afraid to get handsy in coverage and physical as a downhill tackler near the line of scrimmage, which is apparent with his 248 combined tackles in three years as a starter.

San Francisco is confident he can be the franchise building block in the secondary for the foreseeable future. His composed attitude and toughness spread throughout the entire locker room. Out of any group on defense, the cornerback room has been weak throughout the current era of 49ers football, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch. However, drafting the Oregon product in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft has gone a long way toward cementing San Francisco’s secondary as an impactful group. With Robert Saleh returning as defensive coordinator, I would expect Lenoir to be at the center of the secondary’s success while he and Renardo Green make up what could be a sleeper outside-corner duo.

Lenoir’s personality emphasizes the importance of confidence, especially in his position. A top cornerback like him battles on every snap, matching up with the opponent’s best receiver. His game tape establishes his natural ability to stick in coverage with almost any receiver. He can get into the head of an opponent, too, which makes him more of a fan favorite. He truly has all the confidence in the world, and heading into 2025, he isn’t overly worried about any receiving threats, particularly within the division. “I don’t have any guys circled,” Lenoir said, “I think they should have me circled.”