49ers News: And then there were 53

Unranked and unloved by scouts, Jaden Dugger might be 49ers' new late-round find (paywall) "On Jan. 23, 2023, his brother, Dajuan, the oldest of five siblings, died in his sleep. He was 24. Dajuan had been a quarterback at Division II Lock Haven University, setting the example for his football-playing brothers, Jaden, Dalen and Julian, a sophomore quarterback at Washington State…."Time makes it easier, but you never forget," Dugger said. "Some days are harder than others. … Something like that is terrible, but I feel like it taught me a lot about myself. I kind of feel like I'm not playing the game for myself anymore. I definitely was before."

…[KJ] Wright was convicted by Dugger's feel for the position. While studying video, Wright was impressed by how Dugger reacted to a reverse — taking off as if he had heard the play in the opponent's huddle.

Wright made it the second play of a highlight reel presented to head coach Kyle Shanahan. To Wright, it was evidence that the former wide receiver, cornerback, safety and pass rusher was, unquestionably, a linebacker — one who was raw but could become a star with seasoning.