If the San Francisco 49ers are going to get back on track this season after a nightmare 2024 campaign, they will need a number of their young players to emerge as difference-makers. That is especially true on the defensive side of the football, which is where the team made its name in recent seasons as Super Bowl contenders.
They have a few rookies this year who they see potential in, including defensive end Mykel Williams and defensive lineman Alfred Collins. They could also use some new blood in their secondary, where safety Malik Mustapha, who had a promising rookie campaign last year, is rehabbing from an ACL injury and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is dealing with a hip ailment.
Menoir was once a promising rookie who had a lot to learn. But now, he's firmly entrenched as a starter for coach Kyle Shanahan, especially with the offseason departure of Charvarius Ward.
Fox Sports just did its ranking of the 10 best corners in the NFL, and Lenoir made the list at the No. 10 spot. It is perhaps a sign that he has arrived as a difference-maker, especially since he didn't make the network's list last year.
"One of the more underrated players nationally, Lenoir is special as a slot defender for the 49ers but can also lock up receivers on the perimeter. According to Next Gen Stats, Lenoir did not give up a touchdown pass and totaled two interceptions in 317 coverage snaps at slot defender in 2024, holding opposing quarterbacks to a 63.6 passer rating.
"Lenoir gives the 49ers an elite player at all three levels of their defense, joining linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa."
Calling Lenoir "elite" is quite a compliment, especially considering that he struggled a few years ago.
In his first one or two seasons in the NFL, he was arguably a weak link in San Francisco's defensive backfield, and opponents would key on him at times. But since then, he has shown some considerable improvement.
During an otherwise forgettable season for the team, he shone brightly and recorded nine passes defended, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and 85 total tackles (53 solo).
Read more: 49ers Player Admits He Sought Outside Help After Struggling in 2024
The Niners' defense fell completely apart at the seams last year, chiefly due to the endless string of injuries they had to endure, and they finished 29th in points allowed. But DeMeco Ryans is back in his old role as defensive coordinator, a role he last held when Lenoir was a rookie, and that, combined with internal improvement and some reasonable health, could result in the red and gold becoming a feared defensive team once again.
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