49ers Coach Opens Up about Rookie Jaden Dugger's Intriguing Transition

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While it has been hard to get a good read on the progress of San Francisco 49ers rookie fifth-round pick Jaden Dugger, a lot of that has been because of the coaches' decisions and not his. However, linebackers coach K.J. Wright made it clear that the lack of development in one specific thing is a good thing when it comes to the long-term potential of the young linebacker.

KJ Wright on Jaden Dugger’s versatility:

“It’s really powerful. 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… pic.twitter.com/CSJnMtm5jH

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 9, 2026

San Francisco 49ers Have Big Plans for Rookie Linebacker Jaden Dugger

As Wright mentioned, right now, Dugger is likely stressed, and things are moving fast for him. It is hard for any fifth-round rookie to adjust to the NFL. The 49ers are asking him to play multiple different roles. 

However, his ability to play middle linebacker, dime backer, or edge rusher on any given snap is what Raheem Morris is looking for out of his defense. He calls the plays ‘Fever backers', and they are adjusters who can change the alignment of the defense without changing the personnel.

Dugger is a perfect fit for this role.

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There is likely a downside and a positive aspect to this. 

The downside is that it is hard to see him getting on the field in a significant role right away. He is learning a little bit of everything, but that means that he is not fully NFL-ready in any area.

The 49ers' linebacker room is deeper than others, and the thought leading into training camp is that he has to push to make a roster spot, given he was taken so late.

However, the 49ers are not going to cut a player they are so high on in training camp with the physical attributes he has. It does mean there is a good chance he will be inactive to start the year, unless he can carve out a role on special teams.

Still, it puts the 49ers in a great spot when it comes to his development. They are able to slow-play him and let him work in different roles at practice without exposing him during the games. 

The big question is going to be what type of role they use him in during the preseason. Does he align solely at linebacker, and if so, what role? If he's behind Fred Warner as the MIKE, or is he behind Dre Greenlaw in the WILL? There is a lot to follow for a player who might not play at all this year.