News Summary
The San Francisco 49ers selected cornerback Upton Stout from Western Kentucky University with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This pivotal choice aims to bolster their defensive lineup, particularly at the nickelback position. Stout, notable for his speed and agility demonstrated at the NFL Scouting Combine, has shown strong potential in his collegiate career. His selection marks a significant moment for the 49ers as they focus on building depth for the upcoming season.
San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco 49ers made a significant addition to their defensive lineup by selecting cornerback Upton Stout from Western Kentucky University with the 36th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The team aimed to address their need for a skilled nickelback, making Stout a crucial pick in their strategy for the upcoming season.
Upton Stout, standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 181 pounds, impressed NFL scouts with his speed and agility during the NFL Scouting Combine. He recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.44 seconds, a vertical jump of 37.5 inches, and a broad jump of 10 feet, 8 inches. His athletic performance included 21 reps on the bench press and a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.29 seconds. Stout’s physical attributes, including an arm length of 30 inches and hand size of 9 inches, further underscored his potential as a defensive back.
Over the course of the 2024 NCAA season, Stout accumulated a total of 52 tackles, of which 8 were for a loss. He also recorded 1 sack, 1 interception, and deflected 1 pass. His overall college career statistics exhibit consistent performance, totaling 166 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 6 interceptions, and 15 passes defensed over five seasons.
Stout joined Western Kentucky following his transfer from North Texas in 2022. His collegiate success continued at WKU, where he received recognition as a First Team All-Conference USA Defense selection and was honored as a Freshman All-American Honorable Mention. His notable plays included returning an interception for a touchdown in his first game with the Hilltoppers.
The 49ers conducted a top-30 visit with Stout prior to the draft, where they assessed his abilities and potential fit for their defensive scheme. The coaching staff, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, expressed the need for a true nickelback, identifying Stout mainly as an interior player. His competitive nature and quick processing ability were significant factors in the team’s evaluation.
Stout received a pre-draft grade of 5.89 from NFL.com, classifying him as suitable for a role as an “average backup or special-teams player.” Analysts had projected him to be selected in the sixth or seventh round, but the 49ers’ early selection demonstrates their confidence in his future contributions. Stout’s designation primarily suggests a development path as a nickel corner, indicating the team’s long-term vision for his role on the roster.
With this selection, Stout becomes the 40th Hilltopper to be drafted into the NFL, continuing the trend of success for Western Kentucky. In recent years, the program has placed five players into the NFL over the last four drafts, with a notable consistency of third-round selections.
This pick marks a crucial moment for the 49ers, who had not drafted a player since Prince Charles Iworah in 2016, reflecting a renewed focus on building depth and skill within the team. Upton Stout’s future with the franchise will be closely monitored as he begins his transition from college standout to professional athlete, aiming to make his mark in the competitive atmosphere of the NFL.
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