On the night of the 2025 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers rookie Upton Stout captured the attention of the coaching staff and fans when he repeatedly exclaimed “Let’s do this” over a dozen times during a call with general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan, and CEO Jed York. With unwavering confidence, Stout assured Shanahan that he had selected a “true warrior.” Now, as he steps onto the practice field at the 49ers’ rookie minicamp, the cornerback from Western Kentucky is poised to turn his bold draft night promises into reality, particularly at the nickel position—a critical role the team desperately needs.
A Journey to the NFL and a Drive to Prove Himself
Upton Stout, standing at 5 feet 8½ inches and weighing 181 pounds, doesn’t fit the prototypical NFL physique. Yet, that hasn’t stopped him from carrying what he describes as “the heart of a lion,” as noted by scout Warren Ball. Stout shared, “I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder because of people saying I couldn’t do something. Now, I have no reason to take that chip off.”
Raised in challenging circumstances, Stout spent five seasons in college, starting at North Texas before transferring to Western Kentucky. In his final season at Western Kentucky, he made his mark with 52 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, earning All-Conference USA honors. Notably, his transition to playing nickel back helped him find his ideal role, where he could leverage his speed, agility, and play-reading ability.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Stout further impressed by leading defensive backs in the gauntlet drill and recording 21 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press—an astonishing feat for a player of his size. “I’m not the biggest guy,” he said, “but if I can’t be the biggest, I’m definitely going to be one of the strongest.”
An Opportunity at Nickel for the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have been searching for a true nickel back since K’Waun Williams left the team after the 2021 season. Deommodore Lenoir, a talented cornerback, has performed well in the role both inside and out, but head coach Kyle Shanahan believes adding Stout will allow Lenoir to focus on playing outside cornerback, optimizing the team’s defense. Shanahan noted, “We see Stout as definitely an inside guy. That’s a big need for us.”
Stout, who studied the play of Lenoir and safety Malik Mustapha while at Western Kentucky, said he was drawn to the 49ers’ defensive scheme. “I watched a lot of their games last year,” Stout said. “Seeing No. 2 [Lenoir] in the slot and No. 6 [Mustapha] at safety really pulled me in with how they defend.”
The nickel position requires versatility, the ability to handle complex situations in the middle of the field, and strong ball skills. Stout is confident this is where he can shine. “I feel like that’s me,” he said. “When I’m at outside corner, I can lock down an area, but when I’m in the middle, I really get to show who I am.”
Promises and the Pressure to Deliver
Selected with the 100th pick in the third round of the 2025 draft, Stout carries a burning desire to prove he’s worthy of the 49ers’ faith. During the draft night call, his enthusiasm left a lasting impression. “I was urging the 49ers to pick me,” Stout revealed. “Now that the dream has come true, the real work begins.”
He knows the road ahead won’t be easy. The nickel role in defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s scheme, who recently returned to the 49ers, demands quick learning and adaptability. But Stout is undeterred. “I know I have to come in and work hard every day, with a professional mindset and not expect anything to be handed to me,” he said.
Stout is expected to see the field when the 49ers deploy their five-defensive-back package, allowing Lenoir to remain at outside cornerback in all situations. In this role, he could handle roughly two-thirds of the team’s defensive snaps—a significant responsibility for a rookie.
A Promising Future
With his confidence, strength that belies his frame, and relentless competitive spirit, Upton Stout stands on the cusp of becoming a key piece of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense. He’s not just looking to prove he belongs in the NFL but to show the world that his “shocking” draft night promises were more than just words.
“Standing here now, it’s a blessing from God,” Stout shared. “But I don’t think I’ve made it and it’s time to celebrate. What’s the next step? Now it’s time to get to work and earn my spot.”
With that mindset, 49ers fans have reason to be excited about Upton Stout’s potential impact in the 2025 season, especially at the nickel position—where he promises to bring a game-changing presence to the team’s defense.