As the 2024 NFL season progresses, one player quietly making a name for himself as one of the league’s top cornerbacks is San Francisco 49ers’ Deommodore Lenoir. Despite playing in the shadows of some bigger names on the team, including All-Pro defensive players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, Lenoir’s breakout season has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. With his standout performances week after week, Lenoir is now deserving of a Pro Bowl selection, a recognition that could cement his place among the NFL’s elite cornerbacks.
Lenoir’s Rise to Prominence
Deommodore Lenoir was a fifth-round pick by the 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Oregon. While his first two seasons were a mix of growth and learning, the 2024 campaign has seen a dramatic leap in his play. What makes Lenoir’s rise even more impressive is how he has done it with little fanfare. He was thrust into a starting role in 2023 following an injury to veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward, and since then, his confidence has soared.
By the end of 2024, Lenoir has become a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense, which is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s most feared. San Francisco boasts the league’s top-ranked defense, and Lenoir’s ability to shut down opposing receivers has played a critical role in their success. He has developed into a key piece in the 49ers’ secondary alongside the likes of Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, and Jimmie Ward.
Shutdown Cornerback
What has truly set Lenoir apart this season is his ability to shut down wide receivers in a league that has increasingly become pass-heavy. With his agility, physicality, and football IQ, he has shown an ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the best in the league. In 2024, Lenoir has faced elite wide receivers, including the likes of Cooper Kupp, DK Metcalf, and Justin Jefferson. Yet, Lenoir has consistently held his own against these top-tier threats, limiting their impact on games with tight coverage, timely interceptions, and crucial deflections.
As of Week 15, Lenoir has posted impressive statistics, including three interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and a forced fumble. But statistics alone do not tell the full story. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and shut down key routes has made him a standout on the field. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Lenoir ranks among the top 10 cornerbacks in the league in terms of coverage grade, and he has consistently kept opposing quarterbacks from targeting his side of the field.
What is even more telling is Lenoir’s ability to perform in clutch moments. He’s been instrumental in several key 49ers wins, including a crucial interception in a high-stakes game against the Seattle Seahawks, where he not only made a game-changing play but also displayed the composure and leadership necessary in high-pressure situations.
A Pro Bowl-Worthy Performance
The Pro Bowl honors are often reserved for the league’s most high-profile players—quarterbacks, running backs, and star wide receivers. But the cornerback position is often overlooked, even though it is arguably one of the most critical positions on the field. Lenoir’s 2024 campaign has proven that he is more than deserving of this recognition.
One of the key reasons Lenoir deserves a Pro Bowl nod is his consistency. In a season where the 49ers have faced some of the NFL’s most potent offenses, Lenoir has been a steadying presence on the outside. He has not only excelled in man-to-man coverage but has also demonstrated his versatility in zone schemes, effectively reading and reacting to opposing offenses. His discipline in staying with receivers and maintaining coverage even when the ball is in the air has earned him respect across the league.
Lenoir’s performance has also helped the 49ers build one of the NFL’s top-ranked passing defenses. His ability to cover top-tier receivers has allowed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to implement aggressive schemes, which have led to numerous sacks and turnovers. Lenoir’s work has allowed the front seven to get after the quarterback more freely, knowing that their cornerback will lock down his assignment on the outside.
National Recognition and Pro Bowl Snub
Despite his remarkable season, Lenoir has not yet received the same level of national recognition as some of the more high-profile cornerbacks in the league. His name is often overshadowed by players like Jalen Ramsey, Sauce Gardner, and Patrick Surtain II—cornerbacks who have earned Pro Bowl honors due to their flashy plays and big-name recognition. However, it’s important to look beyond the highlight reels and acknowledge the work that Lenoir has put in to make the 49ers defense as dominant as it is.
Lenoir has quietly become one of the most effective cornerbacks in the NFL, and if he continues his level of play through the end of the 2024 season, there should be no reason why he doesn’t make his first Pro Bowl appearance. His stats, his impact on the 49ers’ defense, and his consistency make him more than deserving of a spot in this year’s Pro Bowl.
Conclusion
Deommodore Lenoir may not be a household name yet, but his performance in 2024 is certainly deserving of Pro Bowl recognition. As the 49ers continue to push for a Super Bowl berth, Lenoir’s dominance in the secondary is one of the reasons they’ve been able to excel. His lockdown ability, football IQ, and poise under pressure make him a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defensive unit, and it’s time that the league takes notice. If Lenoir continues at this pace, he’ll soon be able to call himself a Pro Bowler, validating all the hard work and development he’s put in since entering the NFL.
