K.J. Wright sees versatility, growth from 49ers' young linebackers

The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of experience at linebacker, but there are a couple of young players who are giving linebackers coach K.J. Wright plenty to be excited about. Rookie Jaden Dugger and second-year linebacker Nick Martin are both battling for opportunities, and Wright believes each brings something different to the table.

Speaking to reporters, Wright answered questions about the two on Saturday. SI's Grant Cohn was the one who uploaded the video.

So, what is the LB coach seeing from his young linebackers?

For Dugger, it's his versatility that could ultimately make him especially valuable. He can play multiple linebacker spots, line up on the edge and potentially even move around the formation on third downs. That kind of flexibility can make life difficult for opposing offenses trying to figure out exactly what the 49ers are going to do.

"It's really powerful," Wright said of Dugger's versatility. "He can play in space. He can go to MIKE linebacker. He can go down on the EDGE. On third down, I can see him roaming around the guards. You can do so much with that guy, and when you look at him, when offenses start to gameplan for us, you don't know where he's gonna be."

That versatility comes with a significant challenge for a rookie, though. Dugger is being asked to learn multiple positions, including MIKE, WILL and STAR. Wright acknowledged that there is a lot being put on the rookie's plate, but he has been impressed by Dugger's ability to absorb it.

"As smart as he is, that's why I really appreciate about Dugger," Wright said. "I know it isn't easy as a rookie playing MIKE, WILL, STAR, I'm stressing his brain a little bit. The game will slow down for him. He's a smart guy with really good recall." The STAR position, in particular, requires the kind of versatility Dugger possesses.

When asked what the STAR position is, Wright essentially described it as a role designed to keep an offense guessing. "It's a position that's versatile, it's a position that's needed, especially in this league, right?" Wright said. "You can't just line up just old school, boom, boom, boom. You gotta be able to give the offense different looks, different personalities. And so it's a guy that's gonna be versatile, that can move around, and do a lot of damage for us."

That sounds like a pretty good description of what the 49ers could be looking for from Dugger. The rookie still has plenty to learn, and Wright isn't pretending otherwise. But the physical tools, intelligence and ability to move around the defense give the coaching staff plenty to work with.

While Dugger is learning the ropes as a rookie, Martin is entering his second season with the 49ers and appears to be taking another step forward. Wright said the difference became particularly noticeable once the pads came on.

"With Nick the first few days of practice in t-shirts and shorts, I was waiting for it, but when the pads came on, that's when Nick Martin started to come alive," Wright said. "He was physical, fast, he strikes on contact. I'm really excited about his future. He's competing his tail off [for the SAM LB spot]." Martin isn't simply trying to earn more playing time. He is competing for the starting SAM linebacker job, giving him a clear opportunity to establish himself heading into his second season.

There are differences between the two young linebackers. Dugger is a rookie trying to learn several different roles while showing the coaching staff just how much he can handle. Martin has already been through an NFL season and is now trying to turn that experience into a larger role.

And Wright's comments suggest that both are making progress. San Francisco could have two young linebackers ready to make meaningful contributions soon. And judging by Wright's comments, the linebacker coach is already seeing plenty of reasons to be excited about both of them.

Watch the rest of what Wright had to say below: