49ers NFL Draft 2021: Predicting each rookie’s role, spot on depth chart
By Peter Panacy
. Cornerback. Ducks . Deommodore Lenoir. 6. player. 820
No. 6: 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir
It might have been nice to see the 49ers start their secondary reinforcing a bit early in the NFL Draft, yet the two selections of Ambry Thomas and Oregon defensive back Deommodore Lenoir bring aboard two tough and physical players who aren’t afraid of contact.
Lenoir, 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, projects as a nickel cornerback. But he doesn’t exactly have the quick-twitch speed that would allow him to rapidly react to the various routes opposing pass-catchers will run over the middle of the field.
While the speed may never get there, Lenoir could stand to take time to develop, instead eventually using his positioning and anticipation skills to prevent slot-type receivers from burning him with their routes.
Related Story. 49ers should look to start Deommodore Lenoir in 2022. light
Fortunately, the Niners aren’t in a position where they’d need to force Lenoir into a starting job right away, namely because veteran nickel back K’Waun Williams returned on a one-year deal, and San Francisco’s defense is clearly better with Williams present.
As a long-term developmental prospect, particularly one who can play multiple spots within the secondary, Lenoir does have some value and will likely earn his way onto the 53-man roster because of his versatility.