Gabe Jacas
New England PatriotsOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
Illinois · Big Ten
| Season | Tkl | TFL | Sacks | Hur | PD | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 32 | 5 | 4.0 | 5 | 0 | 144 |
| 2023 | 31 | 4 | 3.0 | 5 | 1 | 159 |
| 2024 | 71 | 13 | 8.0 | 9 | 0 | 13 |
| 2025 | 44 | 14 | 11.0 | 6 | 1 | 18 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
Illinois · 2026 draft class
Gabe Jacas is one of the top returning pass rushers in the Big Ten and considered by some to be one of the premier pass rushers in all of college football. The 6'3", 275-pound Illinois edge rusher brings not only ideal size but also a wrestling background-he was a two-time state champion in high school-that gives him the hand-fighting fundamentals defensive line coache's love. Jacas has a well-built, dense frame and is a decent all-around athlete for his size. He has mostly lined up in a 2-point stance as an outside linebacker, but his best plays often come from a 4i or 5-tech alignment where his hand is in the dirt, showcasing excellent leverage and power. While Jacas doesn't possess a consistent swim, rip, or spin move, he shows flashe's of a dominant bull rush thanks to his natural strength. In addition to his strength, he's fairly agile, which helps him execute twists and stunts with efficiency, confusing offensive lines. A starter since his true freshman season in 2022, Jacas returned for his senior year after passing on the 2025 NFL Draft. A move from outside linebacker to defensive end is likely in his NFL future. If Jacas can refine his technique, it would not be surprising to see him selected in the first round of the 2026 draft.
Strengths
- Elite size at 6'3" 275 lbs with dense well-built frame
- Two-time state wrestling champion gives hand-fighting base
- Dominant bull rush with natural strength
- Fairly agile executing twists and stunts efficiently
- Starter since true freshman season in 2022
- Best plays come from 4i or 5-tech in dirt stance
- Good leverage and power combination
- Capable in run support and as pass rusher
- Confuses offensive lines with movement
- One of top returning pass rushers in Big Ten
Concerns
- Hand speed is slower than ideal
- First few steps changing direction are slow
- Struggles to shed when OL gets hands inside
- Lacks consistent swim rip or spin moves
- Relies too heavily on outside rush
- Needs more counter moves in repertoire
- Technique needs refinement for NFL
- May need position transition to DE
Honors
#9 EDGE and #46 overall (DraftTek); #90 overall 7.2 grade (B/R); 3rd round projection (STTM)