There is going to be a lot of attention on the San Francisco 49ers’ 2026 NFL Draft class after they took a lot of heat for some potential reaches.
One player who wasn’t considered a huge reach is linebacker Jaden Dugger, and he seems like a great candidate to break out for the Niners this season.
Many immediately noted after he was drafted how Dugger could be used as something of a Swiss Army knife since he has the ability to play multiple positions. The Niners could move him from linebacker to the defensive line if they want to bring extra pressure, and that sort of versatility could be a huge addition to the defense.
A lot has also been made about how the Louisiana product is so similar to linebackers coach K.J. Wright. Back when Wright was a player, mostly with the Seattle Seahawks, he was known for being a tall linebacker with long arms.
Dugger is built very much the same way, so there may not be a better pairing than having the 22-year-old rookie learn from a guy with as much experience as Wright. The coach can take Dugger under his wing and speak to him from a personal journey, which could bring out the best in Dugger.
Not only that, but Dugger is also going to learn from two pretty great linebackers in Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. 49ers fans know when those two guys are together on the field, special things can happen, so Dugger will be able to soak up as much knowledge from them as possible.
As Ryan Fowler noted on social media, Dugger was seen as a standout during OTAs. People are already taking notice, which is why it seems like Dugger could potentially make a more immediate impact than Nick Martin, the linebacker San Francisco took in the 2025 draft who really didn’t have much of an impact. Matt Barrows of The Athletic has also been impressed by Dugger so far.
Dugger could also potentially be forced into playing time. Warner is coming off a season that he missed the majority of due to an ankle injury. While he is usually extremely durable, it’s a reminder that anything can happen. Greenlaw has historically been much more injury-prone, so Dugger could have to fill in a bit if guys go down.
The Niners were criticized by many for their draft choices, but if they wind up hitting big on Dugger, that could regain the trust of fans who feel the team hasn't drafted particularly strong in years.
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