Thanks to Matt Maiocco and CSN Bay Area, we now have an answer to a question that has dogged us since late April! Corey Lemonier spoke with Maiocco and clarified that his last name is pronounced Lem-ohn-yay. It's essential to know these random tidbits about 49ers rookies. The video also includes Lemonier talking about how he confused Jim Harbaugh for John Harbaugh when the 49ers coach called him on Draft day.
Lemonier is a rookie with a pretty significant opportunity for playing time this season. The 49ers needed to improve their pass rush depth, and Lemonier is the most likely to step right in and contribute. Parys Haralson is likely going to be the primary backup at outside linebacker, but Lemonier could earn the pass rush depth snaps, particularly when the team goes to its four-man fronts.
The team did add Tank Carradine as well, and he could quickly become a pass rush option, but his ACL recovery will slow him down for now. I suspect we'll see Lemonier get some early opportunities at nickel defensive end during training camp and the preseason. He's going to need to show his skills translate to the NFL, but I'd say he could find himself in a situation somewhat similar to Aldon Smith back in 2011. We won't see Lemonier setting sack records, but if the 49ers let him focus on the pass rush as a rookie, he could be quite effective.