5 underrated 49ers players who could make a massive impact in 2024
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir
Like Ji'Ayir Brown, San Francisco fans need no introduction to fourth-year cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, who truly came into his own last season as a full-time starter within the secondary.
The 49ers tasked Lenoir with moving from the boundary into covering the slot after the failed attempt to place recently released Isaiah Oliver there, and Lenoir responded by finishing his 2023 campaign with career-highs in tackles (84), passes defended (10) and interceptions (three).
Charvarius Ward is clearly the Niners' No. 1 cornerback who played at an All-Pro level in 2023, but Lenoir certainly held his own, alleviating any serious concerns the team had about his ability to thrive within a full-time role.
By all accounts, Lenoir will be a featured member of San Francisco's defensive backfield.
Now, Lenoir enters a contract year and will be motivated enough to perform at a level that'll hopefully result in a sizable contract when 2025 comes around.