The San Francisco 49ers made a fascinating selection with their first of two fifth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, picking linebacker Jaden Dugger of Louisiana at pick 154 overall.

Dugger, who turned 22 in January, has taken an interesting path to the NFL and could be a player who needs more time to develop before seeing extended snaps for the 49ers. But, being a former defensive back with a 6-5, 240-pound frame, a 4.61 40, 35-inch arms, and 9 5/8-inch hands, he makes for an intriguing player to watch going forward. Here are some things to know about him as he joins the 49ers.


An underdog


Dugger has had his share of doubters throughout his football journey, starting in high school. He was a wide receiver and defensive back prospect at Penn Hills High School in Pittsburgh, where he grew up as a Steelers fan. Dugger had some colleges showing interest, but he didn't get the power conference offers he was looking for. He wound up at Georgetown, where as a defensive back he played two seasons and won second-team All-Patriot League honors as a sophomore, totaling 41 tackles, three sacks, one interception, four tackles-for-loss, and seven passes broken up.

Dugger then transferred to Louisiana, where he put up some big numbers while making the move to linebacker. Dugger totaled 37 tackles and one sack in 2024, then broke out in 2025 with 125 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, four sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception, which was a performance good enough to win him First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. He played in the East-West Shrine Bowl, but he was overlooked once the NFL Scouting Combine came calling.

"That kind of lit an extra fire under me," Dugger told CBS Pittsburgh recently. "I think I proved myself... but everything's going to play out how it should be. If you deserve to play in the NFL, they'll come find you."

Dugger was right about that. It may not have been his hometown team, but he's more than happy that the 49ers were the ones to find him.

A project?


: Dugger has come a long way, but he still has a ways to go according to some online scouts. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says Dugger still needs to learn how to play linebacker while also adding bulk to his wiry frame.


"Rangy former safety still in the infant stages of learning the off-ball linebacker spot," wrote Zierlein for NFL.com, where Dugger was projected as an undrafted free agent. "Dugger has a stretched-out frame with exceptional length and room to add more muscle throughout. He's inconsistent when it comes to diagnosing blocking schemes/play designs and needs significant work with block take-ons inside the box. He has the speed to run down wide-flowing backs and is an above-average wrap-and-finish tackler in space. The production and traits are intriguing, but Dugger needs more schooling and physical development before becoming an NFL linebacker."

ESPN ranked Dugger as the No. 365 overall prospect, saying "He has outstanding length for the position, though he is still developing his instincts with fitting gaps on a consistent basis. Dugger makes good form tackles and has the athletic tools to mold into an effective linebacker as he gains more experience."



What will the 49ers do with him?


Dugger didn't have too much contact with the 49ers during the pre-draft process. So, when he was drafted, he wasn't exactly sure what the team's plans for him were this season and beyond.

"I had a few early Zoom meetings with them," Dugger told reporters Saturday. "I knew they were in touch with my agent a little bit, but outside of that, not really. But I kind of know how this process works. They try to keep it quiet so a lot of teams don't get onto you. I was kind of aware of it but I was surprised when I saw that area code on my phone pop up."


Whether Dugger develops into a Mike linebacker, a Sam linebacker, or something else, he thinks he'll be able to fit in wherever the 49ers place him.

"I can pretty much do anything," Dugger said. "I think depending on how teams use me and schemes, I can fit into anything. I feel like whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to be able to do it. So I'm ready for it."

Dugger expects his defensive back experience to give him an edge in coverage as a linebacker.

"I feel like that background helps me and I'm more comfortable in those situations, along with my size," Dugger said. "A lot of people with my size aren't going to be comfortable in those situations, but I am. Those experiences prepared me for this, for sure."

Learning from the best


Dugger cited Fred Warner as a player he modeled himself after when speaking to reporters during the pre-draft process. Now he'll have a chance to learn from Warner, who himself moved from defensive back to linebacker in his career.


"He's one of the best linebackers in the league, if not the best," Dugger said. "I've got a lot of other vets in the room as well I'm happy to learn from. I know how important it is for rookies to come in and learn so they're not overwhelmed with the process. So I'm happy I get to do it and learn from the best."

It's in the family


Jaden formed a one-two punch at Penn Hills with his brother Julian, who was the team's quarterback. Both brothers won All-Conference honors, but Julian went on to gather more recruiting interest. He signed with Pitt before transferring to Washington State, where he's currently competing at the quarterback spot.

Meanwhile, Jaden is the latest to join the long list of Penn Hills alumni to play in the NFL. That list includes Aaron Donald, Bill Fralic, and Barry Church.

Follow us on: X, Facebook, Threads, Instagram

Read Original Article
Visit 49ers Webzone

More San Francisco 49ers News