The San Francisco 49ers appear to have a plan for deploying versatile rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger.
Dugger, a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, ran with the first-team defense during Thursday’s practice according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. Morris addressed Dugger’s opportunity during his press conference after practice, but it’s what he said about his plan for a new LB position earlier in his press conference that stands out.
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Morris was asked about a “fever” linebacker that veteran LB Dre Greenlaw mentioned while speaking with reporters. The 49ers new DC’s answer on that position appears to shine a spotlight directly on Dugger.
“Obviously, you know what traditional backers look like,” Morris said. “Stand-up guys that can move around. Those fever backers are kind of those guys that bring you subtle changes, subtle different things. They can do different things. They can play star for you. They can play outside edge and play sort of a big nickel. They can get at the line of scrimmage. They can use their hands, do a couple different things. We’ve got a couple different terms for what those styles look like and what they feel like in order to get guys lined up, put them on paper. Those guys have been doing such a good thing. Some of the spinner-type stuff that you’ve heard about. All the unique things that these guys can do, you want to find ways to use them. We’ve got some guys on our team that got some real unique skill sets. Being able to use those guys, whether it be a spinner situation, a fever backer, whatever the call is. Getting those guys out there so you can have those names so you can be sharp, crisp and be able to substitute those guys the way you need to do it, I think is important.”
It’s easy to take the traits of that linebacking style and apply them directly to Dugger.
Dugger, who has gotten time at defensive end during individual drills for San Francisco, is a former safety who converted to off-ball linebacker and is built like a defensive end at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds with 35-inch arms. He brings the experience and athleticism to line up in coverage or to move around to various places along the front seven depending on what look they’re getting from the opposing offense.
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In an NFL where offenses do such a good job of manipulating defensive personnel groups and then attacking the mismatches they create, players like Dugger could be a legitimate force for a defensive coordinator to have. There’s still a long way to go before he carves out a significant role in the 49ers’ defense, but the fact he’s getting looks with the first-team defense in early August is a good sign that his development is trending the right way.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers DC may have revealed unique plan for rookie 5th-round pick
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