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Patriots Draft Jacas, Raridon On Night Two
Jacas led the Big Ten with 11 sacks last season and gives New England a needed pass-rush boost after a trade up to No. 55.
- On Friday, the New England Patriots traded up to select Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas with the 55th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, sending picks 63, 131, and 202 to the Los Angeles Chargers.
- Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf prioritized upgrading the edge position after New England recorded only 35 sacks during the 2025 season, following the departure of top pass rusher Lavon Chaisson in free agency.
- Illinois head coach Bret Bielema praised Jacas as a "high motor guy" with "great power," noting his college career featured 27 sacks, including a Big Ten-leading 11 last season.
- Jacas joins edge defenders Harold Landry and Dre Mont Jones on the depth chart, calling the Patriots' system "my brand of football" after modeling his game after former standout Matthew Judon.
- The 21-year-old may begin his career as a rotational edge rusher, though the Patriots project him to develop into a three-down defensive stalwart with his frame and high motor.
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Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Center
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59% Center
L 33%
C 59%
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