True, the San Francisco 49ers' Deommodore Lenoir isn't exactly considered part of the NFL's absolute best cornerbacks.
Perhaps that should be revisted, though.
The Niners' fifth-round pick from the 2021 draft out of Oregon is certainly their best defensive back, notching eight interceptions and 31 pass breakups since going pro, and he alleviates any need for a true CB1 on the roster, even if he hasn't fully received leaguewide recognition.
However, some may argue Lenoir is overhyped, perhaps a result of him being no stranger to trash-talking opponents, including Seattle Seahawks All-Pro wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba. And Lenoir's still-decent 90.5 passer rating allowed in 2025 was up considerably from his previous two years.
That said, Lenoir did more than his fair share to limit opponents from targeting his area last season, and additional data points out how San Francisco quietly boasts one of the league's better cornerbacks.
Although Lenoir might not be that quiet about it.
Deommodore Lenoir posted several elite numbers over the course of 2025
Niners Nation's Kyle Posey dove deeper into Lenoir's 2025 campaign and pointed out a few tidbits that are worth explaining.
For starters, the former Duck had six games in which he allowed 10 yards or less when targeted, making him one of only three cornerbacks who accomplished such a feat over the entirety of the year.
Indeed, while Lenoir's allowed passer rating was up a season ago, his 63 targets were way down from the 87 seen the year prior. That effectively means opponents would rather go after San Francisco's other defensive backs rather than risk targeting Lenoir.
Additionally, Posey pointed out how effective Lenoir was in coverage, citing Next Gen Stats' sticky coverage where defenders are within 1 yard of receivers regardless whether they're targeted; Lenoir was seventh best in the league a year ago through 12 weeks.
That said, Lenoir was still penalized 10 times and was credited with allowing a career-worst five touchdowns a season ago.
Perhaps that'll change with a reinforced and healthy front seven—linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa are coming back from serious injuries, while defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa's presence should make a difference. And a good crop of linemen and linebackers can make all the difference in an effective secondary.
At 26 years old and signed through 2029, about the only question is whether or not Lenoir can jell with new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris while maintaining his spot as the 49ers' best defensive back entering 2026.
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