49ers roster: 4 winners from second wave of preseason cuts
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 49ers Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir
Up to this point, each player who “won” in the second wave of Niners cuts is still very much on the bubble and by no means guaranteed to secure a roster spot.
The same designation shouldn’t be applied to rookie cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, though.
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Lenoir has been one of San Francisco’s better preseason standouts, registering an interception against the Chiefs and then logging yet another pass breakup against the Chargers.
The 49ers had plenty of reasons to sign the veteran, B.W. Webb, earlier this offseason. Especially when looking at the shaky nature of the cornerback depth chart. Lenoir, along with third-round rookie Ambry Thomas, were expected to take time to develop as key reserves to the starting trio of Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams and Emmanuel Moseley, while veteran corner Dontae Johnson only filled one potential backup void.
But Lenoir’s rapid ascent over two preseason games essentially made Webb expendable, which is a great indication the Niners are thrilled with the former Oregon Duck’s development.
The final wave of NFL roster cuts will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 31, where all 32 teams need to trim down to 53 players.