Deommodore Lenoir has demonstrated to the San Francisco 49ers that he can handle any role assigned to him. For the fourth-year cornerback, this has meant playing both inside and outside, depending on the defense's needs.
One coach who has made a significant impression on Lenoir this offseason is assistant head coach Brandon Staley, who has been working closely with the defense.
"He's a genius," Lenoir said during a radio interview. "It's like having [head coach and play-caller] Kyle [Shanahan] on defense."
Lenoir continued, "Just the knowledge that he brings to the room and how much guys respect him, respect his word when he speaks, it's a blessing for him to be here with us."
On Monday, when asked about Lenoir's "genius" label, Staley smiled and said, "He's a charmer."
The coach praised his young defensive back, noting that it's rare to find a player with such versatility and ability to excel at multiple positions.
"There aren't too many defensive players who are combo players, where they start outside in four-DB defenses and start inside in five-DB defenses," Staley explained. "There just aren't a lot of those guys that possess that type of skill set. And for him to have done it at such a high level and really kind of be thrust into that role midway through the season or whatever it was, you just know that you're dealing with someone that is capable of a lot, that has a lot to give.
"I think he's got the traits outside that you need, just the engine that he has outside, ball skills to stay with the premium receivers. But then, inside, he's got the instincts. He's got the quickness, the physicality with the open field, with the tackling in the box, and some of the linebacker characteristics that you need."
Staley mentioned that the coaching staff is focused on refining Lenoir's skill set while allowing him to grow naturally as he gains more experience. "He's off to a good start in camp," he added.
Quarterback Brock Purdy relishes the challenge of facing Lenoir in practice.
"Every time we walk up to the line, and I see him in man coverage, I'm like, 'All right, it's going to be a battle here,'" Purdy said over the weekend. "He pushes our guys. He pushes me. I've got to be accurate with the ball because he's going to be on the back hip pretty tightly, and he's made some really good plays."
Staley noted the importance of the nickel position in modern NFL defenses, given the increasing number of receiving targets on the field. He stressed the distinct challenges of playing inside versus outside cornerback, emphasizing the need for size, strength, and readiness to defend against running backs and screens.
"So you really need a unique defender that can do all of that," Staley remarked. "And so I think Demo, he possesses that right body type. He's over 200 pounds. He's rated six feet, maybe a hair under, 5-11, long arms, and he has the long speed to play outside, and the leaping ability and the ball skills. Then he also has that quickness, physicality, and toughness, heavy hands inside.
"But to have the skill set to do it, and then to have the experience and the discipline to do it, those are two different things. And just trying to work really hard with him to refine all of that."
Lenoir is entering a contract year and will be one of several players looking to secure a lucrative deal next year—if not sooner. Staley acknowledges that Lenoir is in the perfect environment to hone his skills, facing Shanahan's potent offense featuring playmakers at every position.
"We still have so far to go [in his development], but hopefully, we can continue to keep improving his game because he's having a good camp," Staley concluded.