Then-rookie cornerback Upton Stout gave the San Francisco 49ers plenty of hope about his future over the course of 2025.
That said, there are still plenty of areas of his game that need polish. Case in point, Stout allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete nearly 70 percent of passes thrown his way, posting a 92.1 passer rating in the process. Tack on five missed tackles, and one can see the third-round draftee has room for improvement
And it might be new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris who helps bridge the gap.
Niners fans should notice some stark differences between Morris’ defense and those deployed by now-Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh in years prior. Saleh’s defenses were typically more conservative—guarding against the big play. Morris is likely to be much more aggressive.
This should play right into Stout’s persona and strengths. Despite his smallish 5-foot-9, 181-pound frame, he has no problem punching above his weight class.
49ers seem likely to use Upton Stout differently under Raheem Morris
Stout is already receiving some solid attention heading into his second year, including being an ESPN nominee for San Francisco’s breakout player this upcoming season.
From a coverage perspective, one can hope Stout improves over year one, and a revamped 49ers pass rush should aid that, at least in theory. But it’s Morris’ more-aggressive tendencies that could actually turn Stout into a versatile weapon.
Niners Nation’s Kyle Posey elaborated on this further, indicating the coordinator could use Stout as a blitzer from the slot more frequently:
Stout will make his presence felt as a pass rusher in his second year. He only rushed the passer 39 times as a rookie. That number should triple under Raheem Morris. He generated a 23.1 pressure percentage. Eight of those were of the quick variety. Stout’s average time to pressure was 2.13 seconds. That’s a weapon that needs to be used more. Despite the low blitz volume, Stout finished eighth in quick pressures as a rookie.
Years ago, Saleh didn’t shy away from blitzing then-nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams, and that was a tremendous tool in San Francisco’s defense at the time. But Williams was equally adept in coverage, whereas Stout still needs improvement there.
Perhaps the versatility aids in both areas, however, giving Stout more importance to ensuring Morris’ scheme works to the fullest.
If so, ESPN’s prediction could ultimately be proven correct.