Deommodore Lenoir, a fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, is gearing up for his fifth NFL season with sky-high ambitions. He's not just aiming to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league—he's setting his sights on being the best.
"I'm going to be the best corner in the league this year," Lenoir declared during an interview with former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman.
That's a bold claim in a league stacked with elite cover men. But Lenoir, who has quietly built a strong résumé, believes he's earned the right to aim for the top.
"I still feel like I don't get that respect of a person that's been in the league five years, who only gave up three touchdowns," he said.
Lenoir enters 2025 as the 49ers' undisputed top corner following Charvarius Ward's departure to the Indianapolis Colts, a role that comes with the responsibility of shadowing opponents' top receivers each week. He explained what that challenge entails.
"Really, just being a lockdown corner," Lenoir explained. "I feel like I transitioned to this role to be this cornerback one. What's needed for a cornerback one is usually to shut down the best receiver, and I feel like I've just been ready for that challenge since I made my name for myself in this league."
In November 2024, Lenoir signed a five-year, $89.8 million extension. He's still among the NFL's 20 highest-paid cornerbacks. Despite the lucrative deal, his drive to be the best remains as strong as ever.
"I feel the money didn't change me," Lenoir said. "I've always had the love of the game. I've always played this game with just love and just pure want-to. Some people, they just wake up and they say it, but actions speak louder than words.
"So, I'm more one of them guys that just likes to work. I'd really rather come in and work and just prove my worth."
If Lenoir backs up his bold claim in 2025, the 49ers' secondary could transform from a question mark into one of the team's biggest strengths.