{"id":874138,"date":"2026-04-25T05:30:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T05:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/874138\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T05:30:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T05:30:34","slug":"2026-nfl-draft-grades-why-gabe-jacas-is-great-pick-for-patriots-nbc-sports-boston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/874138\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NFL Draft grades: Why Gabe Jacas is great pick for Patriots \u2013 NBC Sports Boston"},"content":{"rendered":"

Edge rusher was one of the biggest needs that the New England Patriots had to address in the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a>, and it didn’t take them long to add a player at this position.<\/p>\n

A lot of quality edge rushers came off the board in the second round, and with not many good ones left, the Patriots decided to trade up eight spots to No. 55 and take Illinois star Gabe Jacas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Patriots dealt the No. 63 pick (second round), the No. 131 pick (fourth round) and the No. 202 pick (sixth round) to the Los Angeles Chargers for the No. 55 pick.<\/p>\n

Jacas was a first-round pick in some mock drafts over the last few months. He’s coming off a fantastic 2025 season for Illinois in which he tallied 43 total tackles, three forced fumbles and a career-high 11 sacks in 12 games. His NFL comp is ex-Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon.<\/p>\n

Our Patriots insider Phil Perry actually predicted in his final mock draft<\/a> that the Patriots would trade up to No. 55 in the second round and select Jacas. <\/p>\n

Perry gives this pick an “A” grade. Here is his analysis:<\/p>\n

With a glaring need at their edge-defender spot, the Patriots got one of the best fits for their program at the end of the second round. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Jacas is a violent pass-rusher who will play to the echo of the whistle. He’s not the most bendy player in this draft, but he has good burst off the line (1.59-second 10-yard split) and enough size to project as a three-down option. <\/p>\n

The Patriots receive some extra credit here for getting aggressive to get their guy, sending the Chargers a fourth and a sixth-rounder to go from No. 63 to No. 55.<\/p>\n

Now that the Patriots have upgraded at offensive tackle (Caleb Lomu) and edge rusher (Jacas) in the first two rounds, they can turn their attention to other positions of need, including tight end, safety, and wide receiver, among others. <\/p>\n

The Patriots’ next pick is at No. 95 overall in the third round. <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch the 2025 season highlights and NFL Draft tape for Illinois Fighting Illini standout Gabe Jacas.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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