49ers roster: Stock up, stock down on 2021 NFL Draft class

49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir

Ambry Thomas’ stock level before Week 1 of the preseason essentially resulted in a push, but there were some notable concerns the 49ers’ other cornerback drafted, Oregon’s Deommodore Lenoir, wasn’t going to make anywhere near the same kind of impact.

Well, so much for that.

Lenoir actually got the start at left cornerback for the Niners, logging 48 total snaps, which ranked second most among all defensive players during the game.

This points to the notion San Francisco wanted to get the fifth-round pick some additional exposure and work, hoping Lenoir could hone his reaction skills while not regressing from his press-man abilities that made him a noteworthy defensive back within the Pac-12.

If there was one key moment where Lenoir made his mark, it was his interception off a late first-quarter pass from Chiefs backup quarterback Chad Henne.

Granted, Lenoir was essentially gifted the pick. But it was vital for him to be in the right position at the right time (he was), and the positive takeaway was him making plays for the defense when there were concerns earlier in training camp that he’d be a liability in year one.

Pro Football Focus awarded Lenoir a solid 79.6 game grade, and that’s an excellent way to show he’s on the ascent.