49ers roster: 4 young players who give San Francisco hope for future

3. 49ers Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir

Another up-and-coming asset in the Niners secondary is Deommodore Lenoir.

Another 2021 Round 5 selection, Lenoir was a key cornerback for Oregon, one who led his team in solo tackles and was ranked third in coverage for the PAC-12 his final year. The 22 year-old was a high-potential pick and a source of excitement coming into this season to boost a banged-up corner group.

Lenoir’s success with the 49ers started right away. He started his first two games and notched eight tackles and two defended passes. The rookie learned quickly and seemed to be acclimating well to the pace of the pros. Though it was early, Lenoir started to look like he could provide some stability to the Niners’ quickly deteriorating corner play.

And then things changed.

Despite playing well, Lenoir was demoted to a depth piece and didn’t get a single defensive snap in Weeks 4 and 5. Following the bye, Lenoir was a Week 7 healthy scratch.

The young corner’s regression has left many fans frustrated at Shanahan’s personnel choices.

Clearly, Lenoir has made the right impression with his play. He’s just another victim of Shanahan’s seriously questionable ability to get the right bodies out on the field.

If Shanahan finally figures out that the young talent on his team is worth playing, expect Lenoir to get more reps. His talent and maturity on the field are going to pave a steadier future for San Francisco’s corners.