The San Francisco 49ers have gotten significant production from two of their Day 3 draft picks, and Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo believes both rookies have already proven to be steals.
Defensive tackle Gracen Halton and linebacker Jaden Dugger were named among Melo's steals of the 2026 NFL draft, highlighting their early contributions to a 49ers defense that has helped the team open the season 6-0.
Halton, a fourth-round selection at No. 107 overall out of Oklahoma, has recorded 15 tackles and two sacks in six games. He also forced and recovered a fumble for a touchdown, making an impact as part of San Francisco's defensive line rotation.
San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton is playing a high-level rotational role for a 6-0
team. Halton is a quick-footed interior defender with explosiveness. He's consistently getting off blocks and making plays."
Dugger, meanwhile, has emerged as a productive fifth-round pick. The No. 154 overall selection out of Louisiana has totaled 28 tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss while playing 211 defensive snaps. The rookie linebacker has earned a role alongside veterans Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, giving San Francisco another contributor in the middle of its defense.
The 49ers' defense has allowed just 110 points through six games, the fourth-fewest in the NFL, while limiting opponents to 4.7 yards per play.
With Halton contributing up front and Dugger earning meaningful snaps at linebacker, San Francisco is getting valuable production from two rookies selected outside the draft's first three rounds.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2 49ers rookies named steals of 2026 NFL draft
