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According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Indianapolis Colts are among the teams that have met virtually with Oregon cornerback Deommodore Lenoir recently ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft:
#Oregon CB Deommodore Lenoir
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) February 24, 2021
has recently met virtually with the #Patriots, #Colts, #Panthers & #49ers.
Lenoir finished his Oregon career with 27 PBUs & 6 INTs and made 34 straight starts. #NFLDraft
The 5’11”, 195 pound senior cornerback recorded 35 tackles (25 solo), an interception, and a forced fumble during 6 starts in a COVID-19 shortened season—earning AP Pac-12 All-Second Team honors during 2020.
Per PFF, Lenoir allowed a 53.1% completion rate when targeted in coverage this past season, good for 3rd best among all Pac-12 cornerbacks with 30 or more targets.
He made 34 consecutive starts at cornerback for the Ducks.
Rest assured, as a prerequisite for joining the Colts defense, Lenoir is a sure tackler too:
Deommodore Lenoir only missed 8 of his 137 tackle attempts across three seasons at Oregon. pic.twitter.com/TYprIq9ysa
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) September 9, 2020
And sounds like a natural fit in the Colts’ ‘Cover 2’ derivative zone scheme:
Love it. Good comp.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 13, 2019
Here’s the other recent ‘buzz’ on Lenoir:
#Oregon CB Deommodore Lenoir is opting out, per his announcement.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) September 9, 2020
He's battle-tested but my tape study left me wanting more. 5'11" and a solid 200+ pounds though. Was a Round 3-4 grade on my early list.
Smart move. Lenoir has a chance to be a top-100 pick with strong SR tape. #Oregon https://t.co/fSC83Ic2YY
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 5, 2020
Highest-graded returning Pac-12 CBs
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) November 3, 2020
1. Elijah Molden, Washington - 90.8
2. Trent McDuffie, Washington - 85.4
3. Mykael Wright, Oregon - 82.7
4. Deommodore Lenoir, Oregon - 76.1 pic.twitter.com/lyPEH57uVF
Go ahead. Throw at 0️⃣. @Dmo_lenoir’s sixth career interception gets Oregon off to a great start in the Pac-12 Championship game. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/5sKHLsxCrd
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) December 19, 2020
Taking a look at Oregon CB Deommodore Lenoir (0) vs USC. Gets the INT on the first 3rd down of the game. Vaughns (21) doesn't threaten him with his route so Lenoir stays square & patient then makes a play on the ball. pic.twitter.com/HgKywhadPW
— michael crawford (@abukari) February 24, 2021
.@Deommo_Lenoir gets the ball right back to the Oregon offense with his second interception. Tune in to @CFBONFOX. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/KmHZEMhOWG
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) October 21, 2018
Deommodore Lenoir vs USC:
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) December 21, 2020
4 targets (+1 give&take/50-50 DPI call)
2 receptions
1 interception
1 TD allowed (c'mon he slipped, happens)
59 yards
Final season #'s for @Dmo_lenoir:
24 targets
11 rec. allowed
121 yards
1 INT / 1 TD
57.8 passer rating when targeted pic.twitter.com/x00LjOeSIS
Of course, the Colts could use a long-term answer at starting cornerback, as a pair of veteran starters Xavier Rhodes (30) and T.J. Carrie (30) are both soon-to-be free agents.
Regardless of what happens with Rhodes and Carrie, the Colts could still use another young cornerback to enter into the outside mix with both Rock Ya-Sin, who struggled in his second season, and Marvell Tell, who’s returning after sitting out the 2020 season because of COVID-19 precautions. The slot is firmly covered by Kenny Moore however.
While not an elite athlete, Lenoir seems like a solid cornerback prospect, who fits the Colts schematically in their zone coverage, and is a willing defender in run support.