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.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Notebook: Veterans praise rookie performance in 2025; Shanahan speaks on Renardo Green scolding; Trent Williams, others reflect on 2025
The mood could have been worse among San Francisco 49ers players Saturday night following their 41-6 season-ending drubbing at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. But it wasn't, due in part to the reflections that were made on what the team accomplished in 2025 and what lies... -
49ers' Deommodore Lenoir, Dee Winters fined for unnecessary roughness against Seahawks
The NFL has issued fines stemming from the Divisional Round matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, and two 49ers defenders were among those penalized. Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was fined $20,944 for unnecessary roughness after head-butting Seahawks... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy '100 percent' confident team can win Super Bowl next season
Despite his team looking like anything other than a Super Bowl contender in their 41-6 Divisional Round playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy seems extremely high on his team's chances as they head into 2026. Purdy... -
49ers veteran defender praises teammate's strong rookie season
Upton Stout emerged as one of the top performers from the San Francisco 49ers' 2025 rookie class. The third-round pick finished the season as the team's highest-graded cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus. Among 49ers rookies who logged significant playing time, Stout...