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Highly athletic linebacker draft prospect has met with Colts
TL;DR
Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger is being considered by the Indianapolis Colts for the 2026 NFL draft after meeting with the team. Details about the nature of the meeting remain unclear.
In need of linebacker help in the 2026 NFL draft, Louisiana's Jaden Dugger appears to be on the Indianapolis Colts' radar.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo, Dugger said he has had a meeting with the Colts, among other teams. Whether this was an in-person meeting or virtual was unclear.
Let's take a closer look at what Dugger could bring to the Colts.
Colts 2026 NFL draft prospect to watch: LB Jaden Dugger
Dugger has played over 2,000 career snaps, spending the last two seasons at Louisiana. Before that, he played at FCS Georgetown, where Dugger was a safety.
Dugger saw significantly more playing time in 2025 compared to 2024, posting 12 quarterback pressures and four sacks as a blitzer, according to PFF. In coverage, he held opponents to 9.0 yards per catch, while coming away with one interception and one pass breakup. He recorded 125 total tackles as well.
Dugger has played 368 special teams snaps over four seasons, regularly playing on four of the six phases.
Jaden Dugger's athletic profile
What kind of impact can Jaden Dugger make in the NFL?
To wrap up the interview, Melo asked Dugger why a team should use one of their draft picks on him:
"I think I have the most upside of any player in this draft," Dugger said. "This is the worst Iām ever going to be and Iām still making plays compared to guys who are supposed to be the top players in this class. Iām only going to get better. I feel like Iāve proven myself. I love competing. I have the intangibles you canāt teach. The ball is in their court at this point. Weāll see how those 32 teams feel about me."
What is the Colts' need at linebacker in the NFL draft?
Despite the addition of Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency, there is still a significant lack of experience within this position group. Depth is needed, and more competition for playing time is needed. You name it, the Colts need it at linebacker. Relying on the current iteration of this room to make an impact comes with risks, given the lack of experience.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts meet with Louisiana LB Jaden Dugger
Q&A
What position does Jaden Dugger play in the NFL draft?
Jaden Dugger plays as a linebacker.
Which NFL team met with Jaden Dugger for the 2026 draft?
The Indianapolis Colts met with Jaden Dugger.
What year is Jaden Dugger eligible for the NFL draft?
Jaden Dugger is eligible for the 2026 NFL draft.
