3 things to expect from rookie Deommodore Lenoir in 2021

No. 1: A hyena mentality for 49ers

While everyone in high school wanted to be a lion and be compared to the king of the jungle, Lenior had other aspirations. In an attempt to be unique, he chose the hyena moniker. In his words, the hyena is “sneaky quick” and that’s how envisions himself on the field.

The hyena is a scavenger as well as a hunter and that may be a fitting comparison for Lenoir as he has some versatility in his game.

He can sit back in zone coverage and make some wide receiver-like plays on balls thrown his way. Or he could attack and help with run support. All of the above were highlighted as strengths in his game according to pre-draft reports.

Although Lenoir will have an uphill battle to take a starting corner spot from one of the veterans on the team, his willingness to play wherever he is put on the field, whether that be on defensive snaps or special teams will not go unnoticed.

With a year or two to develop, he could become an important part of the 49ers defense for years to come.