SANTA CLARA — The 49ers have not had a reliable specialist at nickel back since K’Waun Williams’ five-season run ended following the 2021 NFL season.

San Francisco aimed to do something about that this year.

The 49ers selected cornerback Upton Stout of Western Kentucky in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

It did not take Stout long to learn about the impact Williams had during his time in the 49ers’ defense. It is not uncommon for him to be alone at the team's practice facility studying video of Williams from years ago.

“When guys come in, we show them how to play the position from the guys who played the position at a high level to show how it should be done,” 49ers defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks said.

“We show them the previous guys that played their position in our sche

See Full Page