The San Francisco 49ers have a knack for finding hidden treasures in the NFL Draft, particularly on Day 2 and Day 3. Players like Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, and Malik Mustapha have all outperformed their draft positions, becoming cornerstone pieces of one of the league’s most formidable defenses. This year, the Niners appear to have struck gold again with a third-round pick who’s already turning heads: 5’8″ rookie nickelback Upton Stout.
Getty Upton Stout of the NFL Combine
A Standout at Minicamp
During the 49ers’ recent minicamp, Upton Stout emerged as a revelation. According to Sports Illustrated beat reporter Grant Cohn, Stout was the only rookie defender to earn reps with the first-string defense, a significant achievement for a player so early in his NFL journey. On the final day of minicamp, Stout showcased his potential by making the play of the day—a pass breakup on a deep ball intended for 6’4″ wide receiver Isaiah Neyor. Despite his smaller stature, Stout’s strength, competitiveness, and instincts allowed him to hold his own against a much taller target.
“Stout is only 5’8″, but he plays bigger than his size,” Cohn noted. “That’s because he’s extremely strong and competitive.”
This performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan. Stout’s ability to line up with the starters speaks volumes about the trust he’s already earned from the coaching staff, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. For a rookie to claim such a role so early is rare, especially in a defense as talented and deep as San Francisco’s.
A Perfect Fit for the 49ers’ Culture
Beyond his on-field prowess, Stout embodies the mentality that defines the 49ers’ locker room. After being drafted, he spoke candidly about his mindset, echoing the same chip-on-the-shoulder attitude that has fueled players like Deommodore Lenoir.
“I have a chip on my shoulder from always hearing somebody tell me what I couldn’t do,” Stout told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. “There’s no point in me taking that chip off my shoulder right now.”
This relentless drive and confidence align perfectly with the culture Shanahan has cultivated in San Francisco—a team built on players who play with swagger and prove their doubters wrong. Stout’s mentality, combined with his early performance, suggests he could follow in the footsteps of the Niners’ other late-round success stories.
Mastering the Nickel Role
Stout’s likely role with the 49ers will be at nickelback, one of the most demanding positions in the modern NFL. The nickel must excel in coverage against shifty slot receivers, contribute as an extra defender in run support, and possess the football IQ to read and react to complex offensive schemes. Stout seems tailor-made for the challenge.
“It’s a lot of work, a lot of film study,” Stout said about playing nickel. “But I feel that’s the best part about the nickel because you’re the most versatile player on the field. The receiver can go in any direction, and you have to go with him, and you’re an extra hat in the run fits.”
With Charvarius Ward’s departure in free agency creating a vacancy in the secondary, the 49ers’ cornerback depth chart is in flux. While the team will likely shift one of their top cornerbacks to an outside role, the nickel position is up for grabs—and Stout is already positioning himself as the frontrunner. His ability to compete in coverage and contribute in the run game makes him a natural fit for the role, though the road ahead won’t be easy. Facing elite slot receivers like Cooper Kupp or CeeDee Lamb will test Stout’s mettle, but his early performances suggest he’s up to the task.
The Next Great 49ers Steal?
The 49ers’ track record of turning mid-to-late-round picks into stars is unmatched, and Upton Stout could be the latest chapter in that story. His combination of physicality, instincts, and mental toughness makes him a player to watch as training camp approaches. If he continues to build on his minicamp performance, Stout could secure a starting role as a rookie—an incredible feat for a third-round pick.
San Francisco’s defense is already one of the NFL’s best, but adding a dynamic nickelback like Stout could elevate it to new heights. His ability to make plays despite his 5’8″ frame is reminiscent of the underdog spirit that defines the 49ers’ roster. As the 2025 season nears, all eyes will be on Stout to see if he can translate his early promise into on-field impact.
If he does, the 49ers may have found not just another draft gem, but their biggest steal yet.