Patriots, Commanders Weigh Illinois Edge Gabe Jacas as Day 2 Draft Fit

Overview

• The Patriots, who labeled edge rusher a top roster need at the Combine, are evaluating Illinois pass rusher Gabe Jacas as a possible Day 2 pick.
• Jacas measures 6'4" and 260 pounds with a 4.69-second 40-yard dash, a 1.59-second 10-yard split, and 30 bench press reps from Combine and pro day testing.
• He played 50 college games with 27 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss, and he captained Illinois as a senior while leading the Big Ten with 11 sacks.
• Scouting reports highlight a violent bull rush, heavy hands tied to his wrestling background, and a nonstop motor that can drive linemen back into the pocket.
• Evaluators also note limited counter moves, uneven run-game awareness, and missed tackles, which point to early rotational snaps that Washington and other teams could deploy right away.