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While San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey pushes hard to get physically ready for the upcoming season, teammate Brandon Aiyuk seems distracted by trade rumors. But here is the 49ers’ most fierce positional battle to watch at the team’s 2025 training camp.
The 49ers should have quite a competition at the cornerback position. Currently listed as starters are Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green. Rookie Upton Stout holds onto the lead chair for the nickel back spot. Also in the mix are Tre Brown, Darrell Luter Jr., and Siran Neal.
A four-year veteran, Lenoir started 32 games over the last two seasons. He totaled five interceptions and racked up 169 tackles with 19 passes defended. Those are solid numbers, and he leads the way. He ranks No. 23 in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
“Lenoir’s first two NFL seasons yielded sub-60.0 PFF coverage grades,” John Kosko wrote. “But his 2023 season represented a leap in performance to a 74.2 PFF coverage mark and a ninth-ranked PFF advanced coverage grade. His two-year PFF advanced coverage grade ranks ninth among cornerbacks.”
Of course, the 49ers have needed to deal with Lenoir’s recent arrest, according to nfl.com.
“Lenoir, 25, was arrested at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Inmate Information Center, and was released Friday on his own recognizance,” Grant Gordon wrote. “He is due in L.A. Superior Court on July 25.”
Also, the 49ers released a team statement, saying, “We are aware of the matter involving Deommodore Lenoir and are in the process of gathering further information.”
The 49ers drafted Stout on Day 2, likely meaning they have plans for him to work into the mix this season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said it could affect Lenoir’s role, according to 49erswebzone.com.
“I mean, we’re going to still play it out,” Shanahan said. “I think Demo is great inside, I think he’s great outside. We probably see Upton, definitely, as an inside player, so that was a big need, the way it fell, especially in the draft. But Demo can do either. I think it’s easier for a guy when he can stay at one spot.”
General manager John Lynch said Stout could seize the nickel role.
“We knew we wanted a nickel, and there were a number of guys in play, and he ended up (being the pick),” Lynch said. “And he was a guy we had a lot of affinity for. So, it was really fortunate that he was still there at (pick number) 100. It was getting a little hairy, but he hung on. So that was awesome.”
As for Green, he brings a lot of punch to the lineup as well. New defensive coordinator put Green in good company recently, according to Sports Illustrated.
“From a talent standpoint, Nick Bosa is here,” Saleh said. “You’ve got obviously Fred Warner, Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green. There’s a lot of really good...
