5 things to know about 49ers fifth-round pick LB Jaden Dugger

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 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."