LB Jaden Dugger Press Conference

LB Jaden Dugger

Press Conference – April 25, 2026

San Francisco 49ers

What has the pre-draft process been like for you? Did you have a lot of contact with the 49ers?

“I had a few early Zoom meetings with them, but besides that, I knew they were in touch with the agent a little bit. But outside of that, not really. I kind of know how this process works. They try to keep it quiet so a lot of teams will get onto you. I was kind of aware of it, but I was surprised when I saw the area code pop up on my phone. For sure.”

You have an interesting background, having played safety and your height. Do you think that that’s a strength of yours, playing coverage and kind of dropping back in the passing game?

“For sure. I feel like just that background helped me, and I’m more comfortable in those situations along with my size. So, a lot of people my size wouldn’t be comfortable in those situations, but I am. I feel like those experiences prepared me for this.”

Obviously, LB Fred Warner’s got a background where he started off in the defensive backfield at BYU and then was moved to linebacker. Are you looking forward to picking his brain?

“Of course. I mean, not just that. I mean, he’s one of the best linebackers in the league, if not the best. And then I’ve got a lot of other vets in the room as well and I’m happy to learn from. I know how important it is for rookies to come in and learn so they’re not overwhelmed with the process. So, I’m happy I get to do it and learn from the best.”

Did the 49ers at all discuss how they potentially could use you on the field?

“We didn’t really talk about that too much, but my 49ers meeting was so early in the process, so it was a while ago. I’m not really sure what we really talked about. I’ve been on so many different visits now, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be ironed out soon, like when I talk to them. So, I’m just excited.”

Where are you right now?

“I’m back home in Pittsburgh.”

As the Draft was unfolding, were you getting anxious? Were you getting frustrated? What was the experience for you to just wait for this?

“The thing is, I was kind of getting anxious. My agent kind of told me to expect like fourth to fifth. So, like I knew it was in that range where I could possibly be picked, but I know how things can go. You might not get picked where you’re expected to. So, I was getting kind of antsy. I just told my mom that like I was getting impatient. I was like, ‘am I going to get picked?’ And I promise you, as soon as I thought that I looked down at my phone and it was ringing. So, I mean, it was crazy. Just blessed.”

Do you see yourself as a MIKE linebacker or a SAM linebacker who can cover tight ends and taller guys out of that position?

“I mean, I feel like that’s part of my strong suit. I could do both. I could pretty much do anything. I feel like depending on how teams use me in schemes, I could fit into anything. So, I feel like whatever they ask me to do, I’m going to be able to do it. So, I’m ready for it.”