The defensive side of the ball will feature multiple new faces for the San Francisco 49ers this season, and a rookie could be one of them.
The change starts at the top with Robert Saleh being re-hired as defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco typically deploys a scheme that includes three cornerbacks on the field, but with the loss of reliable corner Charvarius Ward in free agency, the Niners could be leaning on a rookie to fill the void.
Third-round pick Upton Stout out of Western Kentucky has a great opportunity to make an impact in the 49ers lineup as a rookie.
However, this will still be a tall task.
NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco notes that the 49ers haven't had a consistent nickel-only cornerback since K'Waun Williams in 2021. In the years since, there has been a rotation of players shifting from the boundaries to the slot and vice versa.
Deommodore Lenoir has spent the most time moving back and forth, but with the loss of Ward, he will likely takeover an outside spot full-time opposite of Renardo Green ... if Stout proves he can make the jump from college to the pros.
San Francisco's premium draft investment in Stout presents him with the confidence that he could take over this role, but he must still prove his worth and earn the spot.
Stout spent most of his college career as an outside cornerback, but his NFL Scouting Combine report says he "has the twitch and athleticism to project inside" despite his undersized frame (5-9, 180).
As the report continues, what Stout lacks in size he makes up for in competitiveness. He will need to put that on full display at OTAs this week through his footwork and mental approach as there are no full-contact practices yet.
Judging by his reaction to landing in San Francisco after the NFL Draft, we imagine he is ready for the challenge.
Stout has all the makings to be San Francisco's next great cornerback. He'll look to seize the opportunity to be an immediate contributor for this new-look secondary.
Despite these expectations, the rookie will be facing loads of pressure to perform well throughout training camp and prove his draft investment worthwhile.
The Niners may be banking on it as they hope to rebound from a disappointing season. In those efforts, the nickel cornerback spot is Stout's job to lose.