2 weeks Ago By Niners Wire
Size didn't matter to the San Francisco 49ers with their final two picks on Day 2 of the NFL draft. After selecting hulking defensive linemen Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins with their first two picks, the 49ers selected undersized linebacker Nick Martin with the No. 75 overall pick.
The undersized theme continued with their final pick of Day 2 when they picked 5-foot-8, 181-pound cornerback Upton Stout.That the 49ers picked up a CB late on Day 2 isn't a huge surprise. That's typically the start of their wheelhouse for adding defensive back talent in the draft and they need an influx of young talent at that position.
What's atypical is that the focus for the 49ers is usually on versatility. They add CBs like Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green who can play both in the slot and on the outside. It's unlikely Stout will have that option in the NFL.
He played multiple positions in college at Western Kentucky, but it's much harder to get away with playing outside cornerback with his frame against professional wide receivers. For the 49ers that may not matter. As a slot CB there's a chance Stout is quickly an effective player since his size isn't prohibitive for him as a run defender or when it comes to playing a physical style.
His movement skills jump out on tape and there are times it looks like he's moving even faster than his 4.44 40 suggests. Pre-draft projections say the Stout pick was a reach for the 49ers, but Stout has some quality tools and may start out of the gate if he's able to overcome his size the way he did in college.
Grade: CThis article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers draft grade: CB Upton Stout has big mountain to climb.
