In the annual fan-favourite contest (stylised by the NFL as the Pro Bowl), the San Francisco 49ers, despite having a poor season, actually did quite well in terms of representation
Four players are heading to the league’s annual all-star game as starters: edge rusher Nick Bosa, erstwhile fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner.
One huge name missing is cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, and he’s not happy about it.
While he is an alternate (along with edge rusher Leonard Floyd, quarterback Brock Purdy and veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams), he’s missed out on a starting spot to four players: Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, Byron Murphy of the Minnesota Vikings, Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers and Devon Witherspoon of the 49ers’ divisional rival Seattle Seahawks.
He might have a point. Of the four selected ahead of him, none were drafted outside the first two rounds, whereas Lenoir was yet another fifth-round steal by general manager John Lynch and Co.
Statistically, there’s almost no comparison. Lenoir has, according to David Lombardi, given up zero touchdowns and a 72.6 passer rating when targetted, whereas his compatriots barely measure up:
- Jaylon Johnson (2nd rd): 2 TD, 82.6 RTG
- Byron Murphy (2nd rd): 4 TD, 78.0 RTG
- Jaycee Horn (1st rd): 5 TD, 91.4 RTG
- Devon Witherspoon (1st rd): 1 TD, 93.4 RTG
Of course, it’s worth remembering two things: One, the Pro Bowl is as much a popularity contest as a reflection of actual footballing ability (witness Travis Kelce somehow getting named to a Pro Bowl at age 35 while playing one of his worst seasons), and two, Lenoir is likely to get the credit he deserves when the All-Pro teams are announced.
He may even get the chance to play in the Pro Bowl himself, should the Minnesota Vikings make the Super Bowl, which isn’t out of the realms of possibility.
It shouldn’t have come down to that, though.
Lenoir’s play has been excellent. After consistently being a bright spot in a bleak season for the team, he parlayed that into a huge, well-received contract extension at midseason, something that would’ve seemed a long way away when he was selected out of Oregon in the 2021 NFL Draft.
His consistency and penchant for making great plays — such as in primetime vs the Dallas Cowboys — have elevated him unquestionably to the role of the 49ers’ No. 1 cornerback, and he feels almost certain to hit similar heights again.
After the disappointment of this season, maybe having a top player who’s motivated by missing out on individual honours might not be such a bad thing.
Let’s hope he finds the same form next year but has to miss the game for slightly better reasons, such as his team playing in the Super Bowl.
