The 2026 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Gabe Jacas NFL Draft Profile.
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Position: Edge Rusher
School: Illinois
Size: 6-foot-4, 260 pounds
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 43 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 1 pass defended, three forced fumbles
Jacas was a three-star recruit in the class of 2022 who signed with Illinois out of Florida. He played immediately, registering 35 total tackles, five tackles for loss and four sacks as a freshman. His play helped the team win eight games. In 2023, Jacas played well again with 31 total tackles, four tackles for loss and four sacks. Illinois only won five games that year. Jacas took a jump in 2024, as he totaled 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks. The Fighting Illini improved to 10 wins. For the 2025 season, Jacas had 43 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. He led Illinois to nine wins.
Following the season, Jacas has been preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a second to fourth round pick.
Jacas has a good frame for an NFL edge rusher. He measured in at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds at the NFL Combine, which gives him solid size for the edge. With his size comes great play strength, as Jacas plays with a decent amount of power. He also has good length for the position, as he had 33-inch arms at the NFL Combine. Jacas uses his length well to disengage from blocks.
His run defense is great and a bit ahead of his pass rush right now. Jacas has the ability to set the edge well. He uses his strength and length to help shed. Once he is able to shed, he shows good pursuit with good effort down the field. He is able to finish plays with a good tackle.
He is a good power rusher who can get to the quarterback with relentless effort. Jacas is able to convert speed to power well and is able to get a good bull rush. He can push back offensive tackles and his good motor comes through as he makes more of a push as time goes on. His strength helps him shed and get into the pocket.
Jacas isn’t the most flexible edge rusher. He is not a player that will be able to bend around the edge consistently. Jacas will win because of his effort and power right now. He may be a candidate to rush from the inside on clear passing downs, as other player who are faster and more flexible may be able to take advantage of the edge.
He has just average short-area quickness and burst. Jacas doesn’t get the quickest jump at the snap. After that point he has trouble changing direction in tight quarters. This makes him more of a power rusher than a speed rusher. He will rely on his power and moves to win.
His pass-rush plan can improve. Jacas needs to change up his rush approach. He can add more moves to his game and more counters for when his rush stalls. Jacas wins now mostly because of his power and motor, but having a few go-to moves can really help his production.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Fourth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Third Round Pick
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