New San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jaden Dugger might be their most interesting selection in the 2026 NFL draft.
Dugger is a different style of linebacker than the players San Francisco has brought in at the position over the last couple of years. Players like Dee Winters, Nick Martin and Tatum Bethune all fit similar molds in terms of size and skill set. Dugger is a dramatic departure from that.
We typically see San Francisco add undersized LBs who project almost exclusively as Will LBs, although we did see Bethune step in as the Mike LB when Fred Warner got hurt last season. Dugger offers a different element with his size, though, which opens more avenues for him to get on the field.
He began his college career as a safety before moving to linebacker, which gives him an array of skills when lining up in the second level.
The rosiest outlook on Dugger's development paints a picture of an extremely versatile chess piece on San Francisco's defense. At nearly 6-5, 242 pounds with 35-inch arms, it's easy to see Dugger lining up as an edge rusher in some situations, or at least being an effective pass rusher as a blitzer. He posted eight sacks in his college career.
His time as a safety means he can also play in space, though, where his 4.6 speed becomes an asset in coverage, and his size allows him to match up against bigger tight ends and running backs. A linebacker who can rush the passer, drop in coverage, while having the size to not get swallowed up by offensive linemen climbing to the second level in the run game is a defensive coordinator's dream.
His final college season was his most impressive in terms of showing off how he can stuff a stat sheet. Dugger posted 125 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, one forced fumble, four pass breakups and an interception.
Now, it's far from guaranteed Dugger will develop into a starter, much less the do-everything defensive weapon his size, athleticism and skill set says he could be. The 49ers have starters in the second level this year, so 2026 could be a developmental rookie season for the former Ragin' Cajun. Long-term, he's a 2026 draft pick to keep a close eye on.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers draft picks: LB Jaden Dugger has big-time upside