The Kansas City Chiefs found a quality nickel defender when they used a fourth-round pick in 2023 on Chamarri Conner. Injuries hit Kansas City’s secondary hard this season, which could lead general manager Brett Veach to seek depth behind Conner in the 2025 NFL draft.
Defensive back Upton Stout lines up in the slot for Western Kentucky but spent the majority of his first four seasons with the Hilltoppers as an outside corner. His small frame and limited length make him a slot-only prospect at the next level.
Stout attacks everything downhill and significantly contributes in the run game and against screens. He is an eager run defender who competes to shed stalk blocks and quickly redirects to the football. Defensive coordinators aren’t afraid of playing him near the box because they trust his aggression and physicality.
🚨SLEEPER ALERT: Some guys just jump off tape because of their play style and that’s exactly what WKU CB Upton Stout (5081v, 189v) does. Urgent, triggers, & packs more punch than smallish measurables. NFL scouts have called us about him. Kid is a dog!#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/JKC5cxWCIW
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 17, 2024
Stout is a smooth athlete with fluid hips and good but not great speed. He delivers some surprisingly powerful punches in press coverage to jam receivers at the line. Stout’s closing burst helps him drive on short routes to contest receivers at the catch point. His physical play dislodges the football in contested catch situations.
Stout’s football IQ helps him overcome some of his physical limitations. He recognizes and anticipates plays pre-snaps and makes quick adjustments when reading route combinations post-snap. Stout projects as a mid-Day 3 selection.
Western Kentucky plays away at Liberty today at noon. Flames quarterback Kaidon Salter is one of the best passers in the Group of Five.
