In 2023, Jaden Dugger was a safety. In 2024, he was a pass rusher. In 2025, he was an inside linebacker. In 2026, Louisiana coach Michael Desormeaux feared his star pupil could be undrafted.
Because Dugger changed positions annually, some NFL evaluators weren't sure what he was heading into April's draft. Desormeaux said he heard a common refrain from scouts: "We just don't see where he fits."
Desormeaux's response: Pick a spot for him. He'll be a great pick.
"They'd ask, 'What does he need to work on? '" Desormeaux said. "And I'd tell them, 'Well, he just needs to play linebacker. Or whatever he's going to play.'"
The San Francisco 49ers agreed - sort of. They believed Dugger was a late-round gem when they selected him in the fifth round four months ago. But why force a 6-foot-5, 242-pound player with gas-hose arms and extensive experience at all three levels of the defense into one position?
#jaden #louisiana #michael #he 'll
Because Dugger changed positions annually, some NFL evaluators weren't sure what he was heading into April's draft. Desormeaux said he heard a common refrain from scouts: "We just don't see where he fits."
Desormeaux's response: Pick a spot for him. He'll be a great pick.
"They'd ask, 'What does he need to work on? '" Desormeaux said. "And I'd tell them, 'Well, he just needs to play linebacker. Or whatever he's going to play.'"
The San Francisco 49ers agreed - sort of. They believed Dugger was a late-round gem when they selected him in the fifth round four months ago. But why force a 6-foot-5, 242-pound player with gas-hose arms and extensive experience at all three levels of the defense into one position?
#jaden #louisiana #michael #he 'll
2 months ago
