"He wants guys who can just get out there and play ball and read the quarterback," Brown said of Morris. "So, the scheme fits all of us, and it's been great to see us transition into this explosive D-back unit."
NFL Media's Kevin Patra recently named a potential first-time Pro Bowler from each NFC team and believes one 49ers defensive back could benefit significantly from Morris' scheme: second-year cornerback Upton Stout, who is expected to have a prominent role in 2026.
"Stout was boom or bust early in his rookie season, before smoothing out his play down the stretch," Patra explained. "The corner proved to be one of the Niners' most reliable secondary players."
Stout is the type of versatile defensive back who can impact the game from multiple positions, which is exactly what Morris wants from his defenders.
"Now, the coaching staff anticipates a significant Year 2 leap," Patra continued. "Playing the 'star' role (the versatile, hybrid role that blends several positions) in new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris' scheme should allow the DB to make even more plays in 2026."
Morris recently praised Stout's versatility, noting that he is capable of playing multiple positions. That versatility should make Stout an effective playmaker at the nickel spot, where he can contribute against both the pass and the run—and even in the pass rush.
"Stout can play whatever he wants," Morris said. "Stout can play linebacker, Stout can play safety, Stout can play corner. Right now, he is our starting star. He's our starting nickel. Him going out there playing at a very high level with his hand usage, his ability to get up to the pass rush, his ability to pass rush, his ability to use his short-space quickness, defend anything, whether it be zone, whether it be man.
"Highly competitive young man. Stays angry every single day. I love him. He's got the mindset of a football player, and he's got the mentality of a football player, and he certainly has the movement and the skill set of a football player."
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