Despite injuries to key contributors and inconsistent play from parts of the defense, the 49ers finished the season with a playoff berth.
According to PFF, San Francisco ranked 31st in defensive success rate but still defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round.
PFF's Bradley Locker included Lenoir among 10 "make-or-break" players for NFL contenders, arguing that the cornerback's performance could play a significant role in determining the 49ers' ceiling in 2026.
"The fifth-year corner led San Francisco in defensive snaps, although he deviated from the strong form we've seen in the past," Locker wrote. "Lenoir's 65.7 PFF coverage grade sat in the 62nd percentile, but his 99.8 passer rating when targeted was the 20th-highest among qualified corners, and he finished in the 51st percentile in coverage at outside corner."
Locker also pointed to Lenoir's career-high 10 penalties and career-low 44.3 run-defense grade as additional areas of concern.
According to PFF, the 49ers' trio of Lenoir, Renardo Green, and Upton Stout ranks 28th among the NFL's cornerback groups. The unit also finished 25th in PFF's overall coverage grades.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. A healthier front seven should make life easier for the 49ers' secondary, potentially allowing the cornerback group to produce stronger results in 2026.
"Lenoir and the rest of San Francisco's defense will benefit from the returns of Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and Dre Greenlaw, plus hiring Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator," Locker added. "However, the onus is also on Lenoir to individually improve if the 49ers want to get back to, and even win, the Super Bowl."
With more talent and better health surrounding him, 2026 could provide the ideal opportunity for Lenoir to bounce back in PFF's eyes.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Deommodore Lenoir has strong message for former 49ers star Terrell Owens
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir had a strong response to former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens after the Hall of Famer claimed he could replicate what veteran wide receiver Mike Evans has been doing on the field this... -
49ers vs. Falcons PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers fell to 6-1 after a 29-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts, offering a closer look at which 49ers players stood out and who still has work to do. Highest-graded 49ers: Offense George Kittle,... -
49ers make stance on Eddy Piñeiro clear after kicking struggles
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that the team has not discussed bringing in kickers for tryouts. His comments signaled confidence in Eddy Piñeiro and the hope that the struggling kicker can turn things around this season. General... -
John Lynch: 49ers 'won't hesitate' to make a trade that improves the team
The San Francisco 49ers could look to strengthen their roster ahead of the November 10 NFL trade deadline, especially after the Seattle Seahawks acquired All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. General manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on...