Western Kentucky Hilltoppers cornerback Upton Stout has many fans heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With an appearance at the Senior Bowl and a feisty play style, he is one of the easier players to bet on.
Stout’s scouting report explores where the versatile defensive back will play in the NFL and where his skillset projects at the next level.
Upton Stout’s Scouting Report
- Size: 5’9”, 182 pounds
- Key Stat: 355 snaps in 12 games from the slot in 2024.
- Projected Role: Starting nickel
Strengths
- Twitchy athlete with explosive movements to rapidly change direction.
- Strong instincts and anticipation. Can process quickly and is aware of identifying route combinations.
- Can read and react.
- Fluid body control. Has the ability to flip his hips and transition in coverage seamlessly.
- Relentless motor with intense energy. A true competitor. He is effective in running downhill and is a menace as a blitzer.
- Fierce physicality. He is violent, authoritarian, and aggressive to be impactful as a tackler.
- Consistently challenges receivers to disrupt routes with savvy, nuanced hand usage.
- Will be able to contribute to special teams.
Areas to Improve
- Severely undersized. Limited length and height is a major concern against larger NFL receivers.
- The lack of size hints at a future as a slot-only option. However, he will struggle to disrupt and repeatedly contest with tight ends. He will be able to be mismatched against at the next level.
- Durability concerns. He has a history of missing games over his college career and has only ever played 10 games in a season once.
Upton Stout’s NFL Draft Outlook
Stout brings a high level of energy and athleticism to the cornerback position, making him an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is an easy player to buy into with his relentless motor and violent play style.
The Western Kentucky defensive back showcases versatility, capable of fulfilling various secondary roles and contributing in multiple ways at the next level.
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His physicality makes him a tenacious tackler, especially on running plays. Additionally, he has a competitive edge, consistently challenging receivers with savvy hand usage to disrupt routes and maintain coverage.
However, Stout’s size is a significant concern. At 5’9” and 182 pounds, his frame may limit his effectiveness against larger receivers and tight ends. His lack of length might hinder him from making consistent impacts in contested situations, particularly in the red zone.
Bottom Line: Teams will project Stout differently. Some may envision him as a slot corner, while others may see his future as a safety. Regardless, the WKU defensive back brings a high energy and physical presence to every down.
NFL teams will appreciate his mentality and appetite for the game, as Stout’s ability to actively seek out plays is evident in every play.
While size and durability raise concerns, his fluid body control, explosive movement, and high football IQ should secure him a spot early on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Draft Projection: Round 4
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