DRAFT Welcome to New England - Illinois Edge Gabe Jacas! (2nd round, #55)

borisman · Apr 24, 2026

Boom!

manxman2601 · Apr 24, 2026

Todd McShay's scouting report for Jacas at The ringer.

Gabe Jacas Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Todd McShay's scouting report for Gabe Jacas. Grades, measurables, combine results, strengths, and role projection.

theringer.com

manxman2601 · Apr 25, 2026

Scotty · Apr 25, 2026

He definitely looks a strong dude , looking forward to seeing him in camp.

irishfanatic · Apr 25, 2026

Feel good about this young man and what he brings to the team. However, I am a little concerned that after just one bad play by him, what the Captain will be calling him with that surname.

DarrylS · Apr 25, 2026

Another pick I really like, considering where the Pats were picking in this draft what they have done will make this team better and address some of their needs...

Schmo · Apr 25, 2026

After Stephen Neal, I always thought wrestling is a great complimentary sport for football linemen. Jacas has great production and measurables, but that skill set is REALLY intriguing.

hornetfb85 · Apr 25, 2026

irishfanatic said:
Feel good about this young man and what he brings to the team. However, I am a little concerned that after just one bad play by him, what the Captain will be calling him with that surname.

Absolutely, took awhile for Illini fans to realize the J was silent.

VrabelMayeWin · Apr 25, 2026

I am reading comparisons to Judon - he reminds me more of Hightower, playing with power but not nearly as bendy as Judon.

Uptown · Apr 25, 2026

scott99 · Apr 25, 2026

VrabelMayeWin said:
I am reading comparisons to Judon - he reminds me more of Hightower, playing with power but not nearly as bendy as Judon.

I’d be thrilled if he becomes as good as Hightower was. Hightower was so clutch during the 2nd part of the Dynasty. As far as the Judon comparisons, I did see Jacas give tackles issues on some of his speed rushes getting low, so he’s bendy as well.

Wozzy · Apr 25, 2026

manxman2601 said:

Judon is a great comparison. In order to play contain well at OLB or DE, the player needs to be strong. If these prospects bench poorly and are average athletes they’re off my board entirely. If they bench poorly and are good athletes they slide way down my board as developmental projects… they need to get stronger.

At the top of the draft I place a premium on strength at edge. It’s the only way these guys can wrestle with offensive tackles then have the foot speed to run down RB’s. Jacas looks like Judon, who was also stupid strong. The only difference between them was Judon played at a tiny school which dropped him into the 5th round… but talent always shines through.

n1997y · Apr 25, 2026

PatsWickedPissah said:
Can he play wearing long red sleeves?

I was hoping the equipment guys will just issue him some red sweatshirts without even asking.

borisman · Apr 25, 2026

It's funny no has mentioned comparisons to Harold Landry. I can see the Judon one's but he's very similar to Landry as well. He looks just a little taller.

n1997y · Apr 25, 2026

One question: how will Vrabel feel about coaching him?

Will Mike want to work with him?

Uptown · Apr 25, 2026

Jacas will certainly help Campbell & Lomu in strength/protection development.

Real fan 02 · Apr 25, 2026

TommyD4207 said:
My own comparison is Matt Judon, because he can play off the ball, at least a little bit, he's not exclusively a pass rusher (even though that's what he does best to be sure)

Jacas said he watched alot of Judon and marvels his game after him.. I believe Judon is the floor of what he can ultimately become as a player.. he's more in line with starter Dre Jones as in size, build, play strength. Hes 6'4 260 strong as an ox and plays all 3 downs.. he had 11 sacks last season in college our leader in sacks was Chaisson with 7.5.. love the it!

Rob0729 · Apr 25, 2026

Know nothing about the guy or pretty much most draft prospects, but I am seeing him compared to Try Hendrickson in a few scouting reports. This makes me happy. Also like that he emulates Judon and wants to play like him.

Wozzy · Apr 25, 2026

borisman said:
It's funny no has mentioned comparisons to Harold Landry. I can see the Judon one's but he's very similar to Landry as well. He looks just a little taller.

I’d say most successful three down OLB’s have similar traits, strength being the common denominator. I loved the Elijah Ponder signing last offseason, but he needed to get stronger in the upper body. He should be much stronger this season.

The OLB rotation of Landry, Ponder and Jacas is sick. The DE rotation of Milton Williams, Dremont and maybe Farmer playing some 3 technique is sick.

They could probably use another fatty DT who can play nose tackle to plop next to Barmore. They could fill this role with an older vet or later in the draft.

n1997y · Apr 25, 2026

Real fan 02 said:
Jacas said he watched alot of Judon and marvels his game after him.. I believe Judon is the floor of what he can ultimately become as a player.. he's more in line with starter Dre Jones as in size, build, play strength. Hes 6'4 260 strong as an ox and plays all 3 downs.. he had 11 sacks last season in college our leader in sacks was Chaisson with 7.5.. love the it!

Judon as a floor seems pretty darned good as far as I’m concerned.

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