Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Bleacher Report recently praised the San Francisco 49ers cornerback tandem of Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green, ranking them among the NFL’s top cornerback duos heading into the 2025 season. While some critics remain skeptical about the team’s depth at the position—calling for a veteran addition—there’s no shortage of confidence inside the 49ers’ locker room.
The 49ers recently rewarded Lenoir with a five-year extension, solidifying his role as a foundational piece of the defense. Meanwhile, Green enters his second NFL season after an impressive rookie campaign that included a team-leading 13 pass breakups.
Lenoir on Green’s year-two growth
Lenoir was recently asked what he’s seen from Green this offseason compared to a year ago.
“Really, the confidence,” Lenoir said. “You always got eyes on you from that year one to year two jump, so with him, I think he’s built the confidence to where he can guard anyone.”
Confidence in the newcomers
Lenoir also expressed enthusiasm for the 49ers’ new additions in the secondary. The team signed veteran Tre Brown from the Seattle Seahawks and used a third-round draft pick on Upton Stout out of Western Kentucky.
“Just looking at Upton, I feel like he’s way more advanced than where I was when I first got in,” Lenoir said. “Just playing the nickel spot, everything just kind of slowed down for him.
“And I feel like all the plays that he’s making, it shows that the game is slowing down for him. And I feel like that’s a spot that’s very vital, and that he’s going to excel at.”
As for Brown, Lenoir has a personal history with the veteran cornerback.
“That’s my guy,” Lenoir said. “I’ve been knowing him for a long time. We went to the Under Armour Game together, playing the speed challenge. We’ve been around each other a lot, so we’re kind of familiar with each other.
“He’s going to be a great addition for us, just the cornerback depth. He came in, made some plays. He’s been making plays, and I’m excited for him.”
Don’t overlook Darrell Luter Jr.
Lenoir also highlighted a player who’s flown under the radar—Darrell Luter Jr. The 49ers selected Luter in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he has seen limited action, playing just 67 defensive snaps over his first two seasons.
“I feel like this is going to be one of his breakout years, also,” Lenoir said. “He’s a tall, long corner. I was very excited when we drafted him two years ago. I know he’s going to be a player for us this year, and I’m expecting great things from him.”
With a mix of experience and rising potential, the 49ers’ cornerback room may be in better shape than many outside the building realize.
With Charvarius Ward no longer in San Francisco, Deommodore Lenoir is stepping into the spotlight as the 49ers’ top cornerback. He’s embracing the challenge, not just as a top cover man, but as a vocal leader for a young and evolving secondary.
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