The San Francisco 49ers drew criticism for several selections during the 2026 NFL Draft, with some analysts questioning whether the team reached on certain prospects. Whether those concerns are justified remains up for debate.

One Day 3 pick, however, is earning a far more favorable evaluation.


After trading linebacker Dee Winters—who is entering the final year of his contract—to the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco used the No. 154 overall pick on former Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger.

Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated identified five fifth-round draft steals and included Dugger among the group.

"Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger turned a lot of scouting heads for his performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl," Melo wrote. "He was flying around with the same range and playmaking ability that led to him recording a Sun Belt-high 125 tackles this past season."

Dugger split his collegiate career between Georgetown and Louisiana, finishing with 222 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. Following his breakout 2025 campaign at Louisiana, he earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors.

"Dugger is a former wide receiver, and his rawness at the position occasionally shows up on tape, but the San Francisco 49ers could have a steal if they're patient with his development," Melo added.


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Dugger played wide receiver at Penn Hills High School in Pittsburgh before transitioning to defense at the collegiate level. He began his college career at Georgetown as a defensive back, then moved to linebacker after transferring to Louisiana.

"Dugger was a cool prospect, interesting story," general manager John Lynch said on Saturday. "Went to Georgetown as a safety. After two years, goes to Lafayette and is playing kind of an edge. This [past] year, they moved him to linebacker, plays some over the slot. So, 84-and-a-half-inch wingspan, 35-inch arms. Really intriguing dude."

Lynch acknowledged Dugger's relative inexperience at linebacker but echoed the belief that his upside is intriguing.

"We just want to get him in the building," Lynch added. "I think there's impact he can make right away, but then development that we really believe he can be a really fun player to work with and a really impactful player for our team."

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