49ers NFL Draft 2021: Grades for each pick based on value

49ers draft CB Deommodore Lenoir, Oregon, at No. 172 overall

The Niners should have focused on their cornerback needs much earlier in the NFL Draft, meaning they probably had to reach a bit to address some long-term prospects on day three instead.

That diminishes the value of Oregon cornerback Deommodore Lenoir a bit, who projects as a nickel back at the pro level after playing at multiple spots within the Ducks secondary.

San Francisco has a need there, particularly with K’Waun Williams a free agent in 2022 and also turning 30 years old before the start of the regular season. And with Williams missing eight games last year because of injury, finding someone who can fill the gap right away becomes a necessity.

Lenoir might not be elite at all, and he’s notably far behind some of the other top nickel corners from this year’s class.

At the same time, though, Lenoir is also a feisty corner who can thrive in a zone-style system as long as there are fellow defenders assisting him. It’s when he gets solely into one-on-one coverage where he’ll struggle.

Those negative aspects could have kept Lenoir from being drafted until Rounds 6 or 7, meaning the 49ers probably reached a little bit.

That said, Lenoir fills a need. And Pac-12 defenders have to shine considering the offensive nature of the conference, meaning Lenoir did enough to warrant consideration.

It was a reach, but not too bad of one.