49ers rookie stock watch after 5 games in 2021

49ers Round 5 Rookie: CB Deommodore Lenoir

You already know what we’re going to say when it comes to cornerback Deommodore Lenoir: He is a stud whose stock is ON THE RISE.

Lenoir hasn’t been perfect and will take his lumps, but how many rookie cornerbacks usually are right out of the draft? Only a handful of defensive backs ever emerge as plug-and-play starters, and Lenoir is right there on the fringes already despite being a fifth-round pick. After all, he was called upon to start in two of his first five NFL games and held his own against some major receivers like the Philadelphia Eagles’ DeVonta Smith and the Green Bay Packers’ Davante Adams.

Of course, Lenoir has made some rookie mistakes and given up catches to those named receivers, but it’s amazing just how efficient the Niners front office are at picking in later rounds. Though Lenoir hasn’t played much in the last two games, it’s worth noting his ability to play press coverage will no doubt keep him on this team for years to come.

Hopefully, he’s given some more chances to show that he needs to be taken seriously as a potential every-game player for this team going forward.