The team in possession of the top selection in this year’s draft has many areas to improve, with defensive back being a major one. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, a potential late-round fit for the Tennessee Titans could be Western Kentucky defensive back Upton Stout.
The Tennessee Titans Should Target Western Kentucky DB Upton Stout In The 2025 NFL Draft
The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of a major rebuild as they attempt to find a true identity and work their way back to the playoffs. They’ve made their share of win-now moves while also investing in the future on both sides of the ball. With the number one overall pick coming off of a rough 3-14 season, the 2025 NFL draft is a major turning point in their franchise’s short- and long-term direction.
A Potential Answer
One of the previously mentioned win-now moves came in the 2024 offseason in the secondary. They traded for former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to become the leader of their secondary. Another addition to the position group the Tennessee front office made came in the 2024 draft, selecting Louisville cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. in the fifth round. With the many different changes and fluidity present with the franchise, it’s clear they’re still trying to improve their pass defense.
Taking a cornerback highly in this year’s draft isn’t expected, but they’re likely to address the position in the later rounds. The emphasis the Titans have shown on investing in physicality is apparent, and there’s a visible mold of a defensive back they continually target. As usual, the 2025 class is filled with solid, potentially starting DBs deeper down the draft board. For the Tennessee Titans specifically, Western Kentucky’s Upton Stout is a prospect who’s a perfect fit.
Standing at just 5’9” and 182 pounds, the Hilltoppers’ corner is slowly becoming a favorite sleeper among draft media. Stout has been a fantastic starter for WKU for three years since transferring from North Texas. His game revolves around pure scrappiness that allows him to thrive in the slot. He works through contact extremely well, even at his diminished size, and has great speed and footwork.
Stout took his talents to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he drew eyes all week, leading to an invite to the NFL Combine. His combine performance or testing numbers were good but didn’t blow anyone out of the water. However, a solid 4.44-second 40-yard dash and continual showcasing of his elite movement skills made the event a positive step forward for his prospect profile.
The Bottom Line
Titans’ newly hired General Manager Mike Borgonzi’s vision for the team has yet to be revealed, but it should soon. No matter what direction or extreme his regime commits to, Upton Stout would be an exceptional use of their resources. His size will limit him to the slot, but he’s both skillful and versatile enough that he could survive at both corner and safety. With a draft projection of somewhere on Day 3, he could be a substantial addition at a low cost.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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