SANTA CLARA — Upton Stout is set for a second-year leap, according to his position coaches. The 49ers’ third-round pick (No. 100) of the 2025 NFL Draft had an exceptional debut season, and already has impressed defensive backs coach Ray Brown and defensive passing game coordinator Jerry Gray. Both assistant coaches shared why they expect to see even more from Stout this coming season.
“He definitely has the personality and the passion behind it,” Brown said. “Stout is great. Stout is a hungry guy that says he wants to prove something, but really he is just proving it to himself over and over.
“He’s a hungry guy, he wants to know everything. He wants to devour tape. Stout is a junkie. You can tell by the way he approaches the day He wants to be the best, He’s not ok with giving up a play, he wants to make every single play and expects to. That’s what you love about him.”
As a rookie, Stout quickly became an indispensable member of the 49ers defense, appearing in 16 games — four as a starter. At the nickel back role, Stout recorded 82 tackles —43 solo, four for a...