ESPN names 49ers rookie defender an 'under-the-radar' player

The San Francisco 49ers' 2024 rookie class was solid last season. They had to play a lot of snaps, mostly due to injuries, and by and large, performed well. The 49ers will need their 2025 rookie class to step up, as well.

With 11 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft back in April, the 49ers placed a huge emphasis on defense, with their first five picks going on that side of the ball. San Francisco drafted six defensive players in total. The team is counting on those rookies to contribute early and often. But will any of them be impact players?

On Saturday, ESPN released its 2025 NFL Rookies Guide. In it, analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid named their early NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year contenders. No 49ers rookies were named among the Rookie of the Year candidates.

Among other categories included in the 2025 NFL Rookies Guide was Miller's picks for under-the-radar rookies to watch out for. Miller listed five of them, including 49ers rookie CB Upton Stout.

Listing him in the third spot, Miller wrote, "The slot cornerback position in San Francisco was among the team's top needs headed into the draft. Finding Stout in the third round allowed the 49ers to check off that box early. He is undersized (5-foot-9, 181 pounds) but also feisty and fast with excellent short-area quickness. Stout has been sidelined recently with a calf injury, but he should be the starting slot cornerback when healthy."

Not everyone agrees with Miller that Stout will be the starter at nickel corner in week one when the 49ers travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks. After all, he is a rookie playing a difficult position. And he's missed a lot of time this month. But most believe Stout will play a critical role in Robert Saleh's defense as a rookie. Star linebacker Fred Warner has noticed Stout, saying earlier this month, "The guy that's sticking out to me most right now, I got to say Upton Stout."

Stout has the speed and quickness to stick with slot receivers, as well as the toughness to have a positive impact on the run game. He looked great throughout spring and in the early part of training camp. But a calf injury kept him out for much of training camp, as well as the entire preseason. Fortunately, the rookie corner returned to practice on Wednesday and should be ready for week one.