​ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak recently highlighted breakout candidates for each NFL team, and for the San Francisco 49ers he spotlighted second-year cornerback Upton Stout. The 49ers entered last season with a defense that was young, opportunistic, and sometimes outmatched, which made identifying a genuine breakout candidate a challenging task. In Stout, Solak sees that potential diamond in the rough—a third-round pick who began his NFL journey in the slot, a position that demands sharp mental processing and precision, and one that he managed to handle despite the steep learning curve.
Stout faced frequent misfires in terms of scheme recognition and execution, but he did not compound mistakes by repeating them. Given his 5-foot-9, 181-pound frame, he’s unlikely to become a high-profile ballhawk in terms of pass breakups. Still, his impact can come from more subtle but valuable contributions: solid tackling range, the ability to shrink running lanes, and the knack for penetrating plays to disrupt the backfield. Those traits can translate into long-term staying power in the league as he continues to adapt to the faster, more complex pace of the NFL.
In terms of discipline and coverage, Stout did permit a high rate of completions—nearly 78 percent on targets—and he was targeted on roughly 18.2 percent of passing plays during the season. Next Gen Stats indicate an average separation allowance of 3.8 yards per target, which, when paired with a 103.2 passer rating against him and an additional 4.8 yards after the catch, underscores the clear room for more polish in coverage responsibilities. The data suggests that while he shows promise as a tackler and as a matriculating asset in the secondary, there’s ample room to sharpen his coverage instincts and consistency.
One area where Stout flashed obvious upside was as a pass rusher. In his rookie year he logged only 39 rushing snaps, but Solak envisions that figure tripling in 2024 under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Stout delivered a 23.1 percent pressure rate on those rushes, with eight of his pressures classified as quick varieties, and his average time to pressure stood at 2.13 seconds. Those numbers point to a legitimate weapon off the edge or from a simulated standstill, one that could force the quarterback to hurry throws and open the door for teammates to close out plays. Notably, even with a relatively modest blitz role in his first season, Stout finished eighth in quick pressures among his peers, highlighting how his speed and tenacity translate into meaningful disruption.
The video highlights accompanying Solak’s assessment illustrate how Stout’s elite speed and relentless effort create chances to pressure the quarterback. Historically, the Falcons’ approach to blitzing their nickel packages didn’t dominate the game, but when they did send additional pressure, it yielded favorable results. The same logic could apply to Stout, who may benefit early on more from rushing the passer than from heavy reliance on coverage responsibilities while he grows comfortable with the mental demands of the position.
Solak’s core argument is that increasing Stout’s exposure as a pass rusher could be the catalyst for the breakout he envisions. Pushing him into more frequent lane disruptions—and allowing him to sharpen his cover skills as a byproduct—could produce a more complete, all-around contributor as the season unfolds. The trajectory suggests that as Stout gains confidence in rushing the quarterback, these gains may ripple outward, enhancing his overall game and helping him transition into a more versatile contributor for the 49ers.
From a scouting perspective, Stout’s blend of speed, tenacity, and willingness to attack the pocket provides a solid foundation for growth. If San Francisco leans into a more aggressive pass-rush role for him, it could accelerate his development and accelerate his integration into a more comprehensive cornerback profile. The potential payoff is substantial: a young defender who not only holds his own in coverage as he learns the mental facets of the position but also becomes a versatile threat who can pressure, disrupt, and finish plays as a blocker-free pursuit takes shape. With continued development, Stout could become a durable, long-tenured presence in the league, gradually catching up to the game’s mental speed while leveraging his physical tools to maximize his impact on defense.
In summary, Solak’s breakout candidate for the 49ers is Upton Stout, a promising two-year player whose upside lies in expanding his role as a pass rusher while progressively refining his coverage awareness. If the team prioritizes him in those early-season packages and maintains a patient, growth-oriented approach to his development, Stout could emerge as a key young asset for San Francisco, contributing to a defense that values speed, aggression, and the future upside of its developing cornerback core.