The San Francisco 49ers added linebacker Jaden Dugger out of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette with the 154th pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
It’s interesting the 49ers added another project at linebacker after trading away Dee Winters on Day 2 of the draft. They dealt Winters for the 152nd pick, and after some wheeling and dealing wound up at 154 where they took the player who will likely step into the roster spot vacated by the Winters deal.
Dugger brings a ton of size to the position which means the club may view him as a project Mike LB more than a Sam or Will LB. He measured in at 6-4 3/4, 242 pounds with 35-inch arms at the NFL combine.
The 49ers have made a habit of converting college safeties to linebacker, but this time Dugger did it himself. Per the Athletic’s Dane Brugler, “after two seasons as a safety, he wanted to challenge himself and move up to FBS, so he transferred to Louisiana.”
At Louisiana, Dugger played multiple positions on the edge and as an inside LB.
His size and versatile skill set make him an interesting Day 3 selection for San Francisco. He could fill a slew of roles if he’s able to find his NFL legs as a rookie.
More 49ers: Explaining 49ers’ head-scratching decision to start Day 3 of NFL draft
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers add big, athletic LB in 5th round after trading away Dee Winters
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
