It’s been four years since the San Francisco 49ers had a consistent playmaker at nickel in their defense. K’Waun Williams held that title for five years up until 2021, and third-round rookie Upton Stout seems to be next up.
Stout put his skills in the slot on display throughout his college career, as well as during last year’s Senior Bowl.
Through the beginning of training camp, the 23-year-old has continued to have success, with The Athletic’s Matt Barrows claiming he’s been “the best looking rookie in camp so far.”
With Robert Saleh returning to oversee the defense in 2025, he’ll be looking for someone to fill the role that Williams controlled during his first stint as defensive coordinator.
There are some obvious similarities between Stout and Williams, with each player measuring in at 5-foot-9, and Stout just four pounds lighter at 181 pounds.
Just as Williams did for the 49ers during his playing days, Stout uses his frame and quick-twitch athleticism to stick to receivers and make plays on the ball.
As described in real time:
— Brad (@Graham_SFN) July 29, 2025
A beautiful PBU by Upton Stout https://t.co/5vzUiFFhh3 pic.twitter.com/iOfRNGPw4r
Stout has studied what gave Williams so much success in the slot, with ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reporting that “Stout liked watching Williams so much he reached out to him during OTAs. The pair struck up a relationship and Williams sent Stout some cut ups to watch in his down time.”
The nickel spot was an open battle entering training camp, with Stout getting closer and closer to locking down the starting job with each practice.
Watching extra film and putting in extra work on the field and in the facility has helped to build trust with the coaching staff, as well as sharpen his skills during practice.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been impressed with how the rookie has begun his time in the NFL, with his vision of Stout taking control of the slot slowly seeming to come true.
“[Stout’s] made of the right stuff,” Shanahan said. “… He’s one of the bigger competitors I’ve seen coming in as a rookie. Every day he’s doing everything he can on and off the field, and that’s why he’s passing a lot of guys up.”