Stout was thrown right into the action as a rookie and handled it pretty well. He finished with 82 tackles, five pass breakups, a sack and a forced fumble, which is a lot of activity for a 5-foot-9 corner. He plays bigger than his frame, gets downhill quickly and does not shy away from taking on backs in the slot. The next step is making more plays in coverage. He did not have an interception last season, and bigger slot receivers can use their frame against him. I have him at a six entering year two: promising, tough and already useful, but still with plenty to prove as the full-time nickel.
Strengths: Stout is quick, competitive and unusually willing as a tackler. He closes fast on screens and underneath routes, can pressure off the slot and has the short-area movement to mirror option routes. His 82 rookie tackles show he consistently got himself involved rather than disappearing from the play.
Weaknesses: Size is an unavoidable matchup concern against taller slots and tight ends, especially at the catch point. He also needs to convert more coverage opportunities into turnovers after finishing his rookie year without an interception. Better route anticipation would help him play ahead instead of relying on recovery quickness.
