49ers roster: 5 players with most to gain in preseason vs. Chargers

Larry Allen Jr. #68 of the Los Angeles Chargers against Jordan Thompson #76 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Larry Allen Jr. #68 of the Los Angeles Chargers against Jordan Thompson #76 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Deommodore Lenoir, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (38) Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: 49ers Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir

Maybe the Niners’ cornerback depth chart isn’t as thin as initially anticipated. And if this winds up being the case, fifth-round rookie corner Deommodore Lenoir should have a big part of the reason why.

Lenoir was one of San Francisco’s defensive standouts in Week 1 against Kansas City, getting the start at left cornerback and picking up an interception in the process. While there were understandable doubts whether or not the relatively slow and undersized Lenoir could make an impact right away after the 49ers drafted him, his press-man coverage skills have already made a positive impression this preseason.

But that was just one game. If there’s one defensive position where consistency is paramount, it’s cornerback.

Lenoir still has to display that consistency. Doing so against the Chargers this weekend will go a long way towards determining where he ultimately falls on the depth chart. Prior to the preseason beginning, one could have argued Lenoir was squarely on the bubble despite some occasional flashes during training camp.

Probably safe now, backup up his efforts against the Chiefs with another solid outing versus the Bolts could potentially move Lenoir higher up the depth chart by the time Week 1 rolls around.