The San Francisco 49ers are undergoing a youth movement with their 2025 roster, and perhaps no position has seen that more than the cornerback group.
San Francisco allowed veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward to walk in free agency, instead relying on Deommodore Lenoir as their top corner, having signed him to a five-year, $92 million deal last season.
The team also drafted Renardo Green in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and recently selected Upton Stout in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Those three are currently projected to start at cornerback for the 49ers, giving them one of the younger groups in the NFL.
But, don’t mistake the youth for talent, as Lenoir has quietly developed into one of the top cornerbacks in the league, while Green shined as a rookie, recording 13 pass-breakups, despite only starting half the season.
With Green ascending into that CB2 role, where do he and Lenoir rank among the top cornerback duos in the NFL?
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton recently broke down his top duos, and Lenoir and Green found themselves on the list at No. 9, just ahead of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green edge the Philadelphia Eagles duo because we know both will play cornerback in the upcoming term,” Moton wrote. “In four seasons, Lenoir has taken a notable number of snaps in the slot and on the boundary. He’s tracked the ball well in both roles, recording 19 pass breakups and five interceptions over the last two seasons.”
“In addition, every year, the 25-year-old has allowed a lower passer rating when targeted in coverage. The former fifth-rounder from the 2021 draft is one of the league’s most underrated cornerbacks.
“Midway through the 2024 season, Green took over a starting role. As a rookie, he made a strong initial impression. He finished with a team-leading 13 pass breakups and an interception. With a full season in a starting role, the Florida State product, 24, has the potential to post Pro Bowl numbers under experienced defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who returns to San Francisco for his second play-calling stint.”
The 49ers duo also ranked ahead of Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed of the Detroit Lions, Patrick Surtain II and Jahdae Barron of the Denver Broncos, and Christian Benford and Taron Johnson of the Buffalo Bills.
Green was one of the better fits for the 49ers at cornerback with his physical style and success in press coverage. Now, he could be a top breakout candidate for the team in his second year.
Lenoir, on the other hand, should see more time on the boundary in 2025 after excelling in the nickel last season. The 49ers paid him like an outside cornerback, and will get to reap the benefits now with him working opposite Lenoir.
The only question mark is the slot spot, where third-rounder Upton Stout is hoping to earn a Week 1 starting job. He’s currently competing against former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown, but his play style seems to fit the nickel position to a tee for the 49ers.
Regardless, the 49ers have one of the brighter futures at cornerback. Lenoir and Green are considered a top duo in the league, and they’re here to stay for the foreseeable future.
