The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) can take their pick of positions to address during the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s easy to see them targeting someone who can rush the passer, depth options at linebacker and/or tight end, competition along the offensive line, someone who can provide a spark to the skill position group, and... well, pretty much anything else you can think of.
I just don't think they can do it all…
If the club intends on putting itself in a position to regularly contend, it will need to prioritize things perfectly and put together another superb draft class -- which might just include Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas:
**Bio:**
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**Gabe Jacas**
**_Position:_** _EDGE_
**_Height:_** _6' 4"_
**_Weight:_** _260 lbs_
**_Hand:_** _10"_
**_Arm:_** _33"_
**_Scouting Combine:_** _30_ _(Bench Press)_
**_2025 Stats:_** _12 G, 11.0 SCK, 13.5 TFL, 3 FF, 43 TKL_
**Pros:**
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Jacas is stout, strong, and psychotic, which are all good things when you're making projections on someone whose primary objective is to chase people. I've enjoyed watching him more than just about anyone in this class, and have come away from each viewing trying to temper my own expectations.
It's better than trying to get excited...
* VIOLENT PLAYER
* PLAYS EVEN BIGGER THAN HIS FRAME, WHICH IS HUGE
* STRONG BASE, HAS GREAT LEG DRIVE IN RUSH AND ANCHOR IN RUNNING GAME
* VARIES RUSH MOVES, RELENTLESS PURSUIT AND GOOD PRODUCTION STEMMING FROM IT (19.0 SACKS ACROSS 2024 AND 2025)
* DID I MENTION HE IS VIOLENT?
**Cons:**
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Jacas isn't going to blow anyone away with his athleticism, and might see effectiveness dip when strength is more commonly matched.
* RELENTLESS RUSHES ARE SOMETIMES SLOPPY, FINDS HIMSELF OUT OF POSITION
* SHORT-AREA BURST, CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION IS BELOW-AVERAGE
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**Grade and Player Comparison:**
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Jacas (pronounced ah-KISS) will have a very productive career, but there are some fair questions about whether or not he can reach his ceiling as a pass-rusher. I don't know what the numbers will look like, but there is no doubt in my mind that he will impact the opposing quarterback on a regular basis and be a three-down player at the next level.
Can you ask for anything more?
**_GRADE:_** _88/100_
**_PLAYER COMP:_** _Matthew Judon_
**The Patriots \_\_\_\_\_\_ Gabe Jacas:**
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"would be lucky to land"
New England can afford to draft multiple contributors along the edge, but its first option needs to be someone who can play on all three downs alongside Harold Landry III and Dre'Mont Jones, as it lost two of those options in Anfernee Jennings and K'Lavon Chaisson.
Jacas can do that, and has the exact kind of upside that you want out of a "sure thing" in the running game.
**_More NFL:_** [**_Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026_**](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots/news/patriots-offseason-preview-everything-team-must-address-2026/aaf2d2af915aac61a95dded5)