Corey

Lemonier

An explosive edge presence from Auburn, Lemonier could emerge as a speed rusher in nickel and dime packages if he develops quickly as a rookie. If not, he’s built to run down kicks on special teams at 6-foot-3, 255 with 4.6-flat wheels.

Lemonier (6-foot-3 3/8, 255) is a long-armed (34 1/2") speed rusher with 4.6-flat wheels and a blazing 1.57 ten-yard split time. He played defensive end in Auburn’s 4-3, but will be a stand-up outside linebacker in San Francisco. Lemonier notched 17 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in his college career. He needs to improve getting off of blocks and maintaining consistent down-to-down focus. Lemonier will be brought along slowly in San Francisco behind Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson, and Tank Carradine. The 49ers are filthy rich with pass rushers.

A 2013 third-rounder, Lemonier appeared in at least 10 games each of the past three seasons, but made only two starts for last year’s depth-challenged team. A supposed pass rusher, he has one career sack. Lemonier turns 25 in November.

Lemonier played under 150 snaps last season, grading out negatively across the board in PFF’s charts. A third-round pick in the 2013 draft, Lemonier has one sack through 32 NFL appearances. It’s a testament to the severity of Smith’s loss, and the impact it’ll likely have on a once-proud defense. Lemonier should face competition from rookie Eli Harold and Aaron Lynch, in particular.