With the Dallas Cowboys already thin at linebacker, Jerry Jones needs as many serviceable players as possible in that position next season.
With the Cowboys widely expected to target a linebacker early in the draft, one dream pick some fans are hoping for is Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez, a player who has an IQ and a nose for the football like very few have. While Rodriguez could end up in Dallas, the team is also eyeing a projected Day 3 pick who brings a lot of similar skills to the table as the former Red Raider.
That is none other than Louisiana standout Jaden Dugger, who racked up 125 total tackles this past season, which was 14th in FBS. While Dugger might have to wait a while to hear his name called, the Cowboys have their eyes on him.
The Dallas Cowboys have met with Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger
In a sit-down interview with Justin Melo of NFL Draft on SI, Dugger revealed that he's already met with the Cowboys. The former Rajin' Cajun's draft stock has been soaring ever since he showed out at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
If you're Jerry Jones, you might want to think about drafting Dugger, who oozes confidence but also understands that he has a lot of room to grow as a linebacker
"I think I have the most upside of any player in this draft. This is the worst I’m ever going to be, and I’m still making plays compared to guys who are supposed to be the top players in this class. I’m only going to get better."
" ... I need to use my hands better. It’s the little things. It’ll come with time, reps, and more experience. I got so much better in just five months this past season. I’m going to continue getting more knowledge and learning the small stuff."
At 6-4 and 240 pounds, Dugger presents himself as a high-motor LB who can make tackles and run sideline to sideline. The Cowboys could really use a player with those traits.
Speaking of instincts, the Cowboys were sorely lacking in that department whenever Kenneth Murray was on the field last season, as missed tackles and blown gap reads became a troubling trend. If Dallas wants to clean that up, it needs as many smart, reliable tacklers as possible. Dugger could be a steal if he lands in the right situation.
Dugger is a late bloomer after converting from wide receiver to linebacker. That's part of why he's expected to be a Day 3 pick, but those are almost exclusively used on developmental players anyway. You won't find us complaining if the Cowboys use their only seventh-round pick on Dugger.
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