ESPN's Bill Barnwell released his annual quarter-season awards, and San Francisco 49ers rookie cornerback Upton Stout earned a spot among his Defensive Rookies of the Year. The recognition highlights just how impactful the third-round pick has been through the first four weeks of the 2025 NFL season.
Stout has logged 62% of San Francisco's defensive snaps (160 total), recording 12 tackles (one for loss), a sack, and two passes defensed.
"After paying Brock Purdy and shedding expensive players on both sides of the ball this offseason, the 49ers needed their rookies to contribute under new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. They have," Barnwell wrote. "First-rounder Mykel Williams has been physically imposing, especially against the run, and has made multiple plays in the backfield. Marques Sigle won a starting safety job in camp. Alfred Collins and CJ West have been helpful in the defensive tackle rotation."
Still, Barnwell views Stout as the best of the bunch—a major endorsement from the veteran NFL writer. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-9 and 181 pounds, the young cornerback has stood out with his aggressive style and ability to make plays in coverage.
"Per Pro-Football-Reference.com, Stout has allowed an 80.3 passer rating in coverage," Barnwell explained. "In Week 2 against the Saints, he picked up a sack going through Alvin Kamara and wrangling Spencer Rattler to the ground. In Week 3, Stout's pass breakup on third down prevented the Cardinals from running out the clock, opening up the opportunity for the 49ers to get the ball back in a game they eventually won.
"And in Week 4, Stout appeared to come up with an interception vs. Trevor Lawrence in the third quarter, only for the pick to be called back on what Richard Sherman described as a 'BS' call during the broadcast."
After the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan said, "It looked like a hell of a play."
Barnwell summed up the rookie's early performance: "Stout is playing really well, and he's quickly becoming a favorite for the 49ers."
With his physical mentality, strong instincts, and knack for making plays, Stout has shown the potential to become a key contributor to the 49ers' defense for years to come.