At this year’s NFL Combine, Upton Stout was asked if he prefers to make a six-yard tackle for loss or an interception. The Western Kentucky defensive back didn’t give a straightforward answer right away.
“At corner, I’d say the pick. As a nickel, a TFL is great, too,” Stout said. “But I’ll take the pick to get the ball back to the offense.”
The position that Stout would be best at is up for debate, so his approach to that question was interesting. He’s thinking about things from both perspectives.
Would he play better in the NFL as a cornerback or a nickel? That’s to be determined. But one thing is clear: No matter where he lines up or what his responsibilities are, Stout knows how to make impactful plays.
Upton Stout NFL Draft Projection
I project Upton Stout will be selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Stout will need to solidify exactly where he’s going to end up playing, though I imagine it will be as a nickel. Some teams may deem him better suited as a safety, though. Either way, he has the potential to be an early Day 3 pick.
Stout said NFL teams envision him lining up primarily in the slot at the next level until the Senior Bowl. Because of what he showed there, he said those teams are willing to put him anywhere on the field.
“My versatility,” Stout replied when asked what sets him apart from other defensive backs in the draft class. “I’ve played everywhere – corner, nickel, deep safety, even on the D-line. I’ve played man coverage all over the field. I’m a Swiss Army knife.”
What Was Upton Stout’s 40 Time At The NFL Combine?
Upton Stout ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds at the 2025 NFL Combine. He ranked 12th out of 24 cornerbacks there.
He was first among the cornerbacks with 21 bench press reps. His vertical jump of 37.5 inches was fifth among 22 cornerbacks, while his broad jump of 10 feet, 8 inches was sixth out of 21. He also ran the 20-yard shuttle in 4.29 seconds, which was fourth among four at his position group.
“It’s been a blessing to be here,” Stout said at the combine. “Just talking with the teams, picking their brains, and letting them know my knowledge about the game.”
Upton Stout’s Height & Weight
Upton Stout was measured at 5 feet, 8.5 inches and 181 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Upton Stout’s Stats & Highlights
Stout was a Group of Five All-American and earned All-Conference USA honors twice during his career at Western Kentucky.
Stout was a first-team all-conference selection as a junior in 2024. He tallied 52 tackles, a team-high 7.5 tackles for loss, one interception, a sack, three quarterback hurries, and one pass breakup.
Stout played in seven games in 2023 and missed five due to injury. He recorded 29 tackles, 1.5 for loss, as well as an interception which he returned for a touchdown, eight pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, five quarterback hurries, and half of a sack.
Stout began his collegiate career at North Texas and transferred to WKU before the 2022 season. That year, he made the All-CUSA honorable mention list as he intercepted four passes, returning one for a touchdown, to go with 44 tackles, six passes defended, and half of a TFL.
“(WKU defensive coordinator Tyson) Summers put me in a lot of good predicaments last year,” Stout said when asked about how he disrupted opposing backfields so often. “When we didn’t see a major receiving threat inside, he’d use me in run schemes and blitz packages to show my versatility and aggression.”
Stout also earned an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he earned American Team Defensive Back of the Week recognition. He felt that “definitely” helped his draft stock.
“Just going out there and competing, making plays,” Stout said, “and proving I belong among the top DBs.”
Where Is Upton Stout From?
Upton Stout is from Houston, Texas. He was a three-star prospect out of North Shore High School.
Upton Stout Comparison & 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Stout compared his tackling abilities to that of Budda Baker and his coverage abilities to that of Amik Robertson. While those are high bars to set for himself, Stout does bring a unique skill set, so striving to emulate different players makes sense.
Stout was fourth in Pro Football Focus’ run grades for FBS safeties who played at least 485 snaps in 2024. He was also 18th for overall defense.
He was in the top 20 at his position group with nine quarterback pressures and tied for 26th with 26 defensive stops which were constituted as failures for the offense.
In coverage, he allowed just 12 catches for 163 yards and one touchdown all season in 2024.
Stout described his game as physical and aggressive, and that shows up on tape. He’s great in run support, as he’s capable of shedding blocks quickly, and he times blitzes well when he’s asked to attack opposing backfields.
But he’s also smart and possesses standout awareness. He doesn’t easily get fooled by play fakes and is sound with his technique.
Stout can line up all over the field and make an impact.
“I feel like I got a different type of play style. I can go on an island and lock anybody down,” he said. “I can go in the slot and play a different type of game, blitz, make tackles. I feel like I’m versatile.”
