The San Francisco 49ers selected 11 players in the 2025 NFL Draft, and cornerback Upton Stout may have emerged as the most impactful of the group. As a rookie, Stout appeared in 16 games, made four starts, and played 58 percent of the defensive snaps while serving as the team's primary nickel cornerback.

Stout finished his first NFL season with 82 tackles, including four for a loss, two quarterback hits, one sack, five passes defensed, and one forced fumble. His performance caught the attention of Pro Football Focus, where analyst Dalton Wasserman believes the defensive back is poised for a breakout sophomore campaign.


Wasserman recently identified breakout candidates for the 2026 NFL season for each team, and Stout earned the nod for the 49ers.

"Stout, a third-round pick, quickly became the 49ers' primary nickel cornerback and improved as the season progressed," Wasserman wrote. "From Week 11 through the divisional round, Stout earned an 81.6 PFF overall grade, which ranked sixth among all qualified cornerbacks. That mark also ranked second behind Denver's Ja'Quan McMillian among primary slot cornerbacks."

Down the stretch, Stout earned the trust of teammates, coaches, and fans, establishing himself as a dependable presence in the secondary. His physicality and instincts made him a strong fit in former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's system.

Regardless of who is calling the defense in 2026, the 49ers appear to have stability in the slot.

"The 49ers likely found a gem in Stout, and he should continue to improve as their nickel in 2026," Wasserman added.

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