Pittsburgh Steelers Eye Local Linebacker Dugger

0:00It's April 8th. I'm Corey with The Story, and this is NFL News Today, your AI-powered football briefing. Pittsburgh Steelers got their eyes on a hometown hero for the 2026 NFL Draft. Jaden Dugger, a linebacker from Louisiana Lafayette and Penn Hills High School, right here in the city, just visited the team facility with a couple. Other prospects. At 6'5 and 242 pounds, he's got that leg-round upside they're always hunting, maybe with their sixth round pick or one of. Those seventh rounders. Dugger started his college ball at Georgetown as a safety back in 2022, racking up tackles before transferring. He switched to inside linebacker at Louisiana Lafayette, and by his senior year in 2025, he was first team all-sunbelt with 100. 25 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, and a pick. Solid production from a guy still learning the position. Fans are buzzing because Dugger's athleticism pops off the screen.

1:00No combine invite, but his pro-day showed a 4.6040 yard dash, a 10-foot-six broadjump, and a relative athletic score of 9.60 that ranks him 139th out of over 3,000 linebackers since 1987. He's got those long 35-inch arms you can't coach. Steelers need inside linebacker, deaf, with Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison hitting free agency next offseason, even with Peyton Wilson holding it. Down. Bringing Dugger in for a local visit screens real interest. They could grab him late or as an undrafted free agent for special teams right away, while he polishes his technique. Word is, Dugger could be that high motor swing who sticks around, filling a gap in Pittsburgh's linebacker room long term. Keep an eye on this local kid as Draft Season heats up.