The 49ers probably could have drafted Upton Stout later than Round 3, but one prominent analyst actually felt it was a solid move.
The San Francisco 49ers' most questionable move over the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft was the late Round 3 selection of Western Kentucky defensive back Upton Stout, a player many felt would likely be a late pick on day three of the draft, perhaps even in Round 6 or 7.
Instead, the Niners used the No. 100 overall selection to grab Stout, pegging him in as a speedy nickel cornerback who can also double on special teams.
It's hard to figure out exactly why San Francisco reached here, especially considering it has seven picks remaining, including the No. 113 overall selection where Stout probably could have been still available.
Aside from Stout's golden reaction to being drafted ("let's do it), it's understandable why many view grabbing the 5-foot-9 and 181-pound defensive back is a massive overreach.
That said, a notable draft pundit is actually pleased with the 49ers' move here.
CBS Sports awards 49ers a solid grade for drafting Upton Stout
CBS Sports' draft analyst Chris Trapasso gave an instant reaction to the Niners' final pick of day two, and fans might be surprised at what the grade was.
A solid B-plus mark.
Of the pick, Trapasso remarked:
"The classic tiny, twitched up slot CB who can run with quick slot WRs in the NFL. Agitator near the line of scrimmage and during the route. Physicality can obviously get the best of him. Has deceptive speed when he flips his hips, which is somewhat unusual for the slot CB role."
Indeed, Stout's speed is worth noting after he ran a 4.44 40-yard time at the NFL Combine. And it's hard not to see shades of San Francisco's former nickel cornerback, K'Waun Williams, whose size didn't exactly matter when it came to covering the slot. And he served the 49ers well for several years.
Stout has a long way to go before turning into a Williams-like player.
But, if he ends up emulating Williams, no one will question whether or not the Niners reached on Stout in Round 3.