Upton Stout

Summary

Upton Stout III was selected in Round 3 (#100) of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Western Kentucky University. After a productive collegiate career at North Texas (2020–2021), Stout moved to Western Kentucky (2022–2024). A former three-star recruit from North Shore High School in Houston, Texas, Stout became a consistent playmaker in the secondary, finishing his college career with 166 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions, 21 pass breakups, and three defensive touchdowns across five seasons. He earned First-Team All-Conference USA honors in 2024 and was invited to the Senior Bowl, showcasing his skills against top draft talent. Known for his competitive fire, aggressive play style, and leadership, Stout overcame size concerns to become a draftable defensive back with a reputation for relentless effort and physical play. As a rookie with the 49ers in 2025, Stout earned a starting gig in the nickel role and recorded 64 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and three passes defended, demonstrating his ability to contribute defensively as well as on special teams.

Strengths

• Aggressive & Physical: Competes hard at the line and in run support despite undersized stature and closes on the ball to deliver impactful hits.

• Instinctive Ball Skills: Has a nose for the football and has the awareness to get his head around to find the ball even in condensed splits as a nickel.

• Versatility in Coverage: Comfortable in both outside and slot roles; transitions smoothly between techniques and aligns well in zone concepts.

• Competitive Toughness: Known for his relentlessness, grit and willingness to challenge bigger opponents. Plays with urgency frame‑to‑frame and is consistently around the ball in zone and underneath coverage.

Weaknesses

• Size/Length Limits: With a 0.79 Measurables score for a DB, Stout lacks prototypical length and bulk, which can put him at a disadvantage against bigger outside receivers.

• Deep Ball Recovery: Top‑end recovery speed and deep ball tracking can be challenged by elite vertical threats, hence his best role being inside in the slot.

• Coverage Consistency: Though competitive, he has been marginal in coverage metrics, allowing yardage and occasionally drawing penalties.

• Technique Refinement: Still developing positional nuance against NFL route runners and will need further coaching in press‑release and re‑route techniques.

Outlook

Stout projects as a versatile defensive back capable of contributing early in the NFL, especially in schemes that value aggressive slot play and multiple coverage looks. At the next level, he fits best as a nickel corner and sub‑package defender who can match up against quicker slot receivers, help against the run, and generate turnovers with his instincts and competitive nature. His ability to play both outside and inside gives defensive coordinators flexibility in game planning and personnel groupings. For the San Francisco 49ers, Stout’s outlook is promising as a starting slot corner with high upside in specific packages, particularly in zone coverage and match‑concept roles. If he continues refining his technique and adjusting to NFL‑caliber route precision, he has the potential to evolve into a full‑time starting cornerback while also adding value on special teams and in pressure packages. His relentless motor and fearless tackling should help him carve out a long and productive NFL career, even as he addresses the challenges posed by bigger, more physical matchups.