[4] Dugger utilized his athleticism during his senior year, at one point returning two punts for touchdowns within a seven-minute span against Virginia–Wise.

On July 19, 2020, starting strong safety Patrick Chung announced his decision to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head coach Bill Belichick named Dugger the backup strong safety, behind Adrian Phillips, to begin the regular season.

Throughout training camp, Dugger learned to play multiple roles at free safety and nickel following the retirement of Patrick Chung.

[19] Head coach Bill Belichick listed Dugger as a backup free safety behind Devin McCourty to start the regular season.

[20] The next week, Dugger recorded his second straight game with a pick, intercepting quarterback Mike White in the 54–13 win over the New York Jets.

[21] On December 2, 2021, the New England Patriots officially placed Dugger on the COVID-19/Reserve list and he would remain inactive for their Week 13 victory at the Buffalo Bills.

He finished the 2021 NFL season with a total of 92 combined tackles (70 solo), five pass deflections, and a career-high four interceptions in 15 games and 13 starts.

[23] The New England Patriots finished the 2021 NFL season second in the AFC East with a 10–7 record and qualified for a Wildcard berth.

On January 15, 2022, Dugger started in his first career appearance in a playoff game and recorded four combined tackles (three solo) as the Patriots were routed 17–47 at the Buffalo Bills.