As the month of March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top-100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks on defense who fit Dennis Allen's scheme.
After not adding an edge rusher in free agency, the Bears could use one of their top-100 selections on an edge rusher to pair with veteran Montez Sweat and third-year player Austin Booker. One name who should really intrigue Chicago is University of Illinois defensive end Gabe Jacas, a player who's been a force for the Fighting Illini over the last four seasons.
Let's get into our scouting report on Jacas.
Gabe Jacas, University of Illinois, (6-foot-4, 260 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Jacas is well-built with tremendous play strength and the ability to play as a hand-down end or a stand-up edge. He's more rugged than explosive and twitchy. He can hold his ground against power but needs to do a better job of playing with discipline to set and contain his edge. Jacas' pass-rush plan lacks creativity but features a good deal of force and leg drive to bully his way into the pocket once he opens the tackle's edge. His play is more steak than sizzle with average sack production expected, but his field demeanor and play strength foreshadow a long career as an NFL starter."
Film:
Strengths:
- Strength and physicality are apparent on tape as soon as the ball is snapped.
- Tracks the ball carrier and pursues with a purpose.
- Will convert speed to power within seconds of the ball being snapped.
- Creates depth and will work inside using a variety of moves when closing on the quarterback.
- Production was solid all throughout college career.
- Relentless effort on tape over the last four seasons.
- Can fit in any front. Jacas will provide value in odd and even fronts, increasing his value.
Weaknesses:
- Will need to improve his ability to create angles at the next level.
- Struggles to finish as a tackler in the open field.
- May not be the best coverage defender at the next level.
- Needs to improve his pad level against down blocks.
- Asking him to be a run defender exposed his limitations throughout college.
Does Jacas fit the Bears defense?
Jacas has the arm length and traits needed to play in the Bears defense. His college tape shows a player with the ability to blossom into a solid edge rusher who can make an impact throughout games. Chicago should fall in love with his pursuit ability and the value he can provide in odd and even fronts, playing as a standup pass rusher or with his hand in the dirt.
As a rookie, he will have the opportunity to learn behind Sweat and Booker while also shoring up aspects of his game, such as his run defense and inside pass rush moves to realize his true potential.
Conclusion:
Overall, Jacas is a solid prospect with the tools needed to be an effective player at a high level for a long time. He may never end up being a team's primary edge rusher, but he has enough talent to warrant providing a spark as a pass rusher and thrive for a team that has a plethora of pass rushers to get after the quarterback.
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