The San Francisco 49ers made headlines during the 2025 NFL draft by adding 11 players to their roster, followed by several undrafted free agent signings. This move aimed to infuse youth into a team predominantly featuring seasoned veterans. However, out of the 11 drafted rookies, only nine secured a spot on the roster post-camp due to cuts and one player’s placement on the Non-Football Injury list.
Among the drafted players, cornerback Upton Stout emerged as a standout, being recognized by Pro Football Focus’ Ben Cooper as the most impactful rookie on the 49ers’ squad. Stout participated in 16 games during the regular season, showcasing his versatility as a solid run defender, a capable coverage player, and a part-time blitzer. His performance during the latter part of the season was particularly notable, as he achieved an impressive coverage grade of 87.5 from Weeks 11-18, ranking second among all cornerbacks during that time frame. In that period, he broke up three passes and remarkably allowed no touchdowns on 34 targets, while also contributing 17 tackles in run defense, placing him within the top 15 of his position.
Stout’s tenacity was evident in his defensive snapshot; he logged 54.65% of the 49ers’ defensive snaps, only narrowly trailing Renardo Green at his position. By the end of the season, Stout tallied 82 tackles—including four for a loss—along with five passes defended, two quarterback hits, and a sack. Despite standing at just 5-foot-9, Stout’s willingness to engage physically and tackle assignments—even in challenging situations—underscores his dedication to the game; a notable moment was his tackle against Seattle Seahawks’ running back Kenneth Walker III in Week 18, exemplifying the determination that the 49ers value in him.
Despite an unfortunate season that saw the team incur a staggering $95 million in injury-related absences, the emergence of talents like Upton Stout serves as a beacon of hope for the 49ers as they look to build a stronger future. The performance of these young players will be crucial in shaping the team’s direction moving forward.