By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
In a draft class loaded with flashy edge rushers and freaky athletes, Gabe Jacas stands out for a different reason: he’s a technician with violence in his hands, a power-based disruptor who wins with leverage, motor, and a wrestler’s understanding of body control. A three-year starter at Illinois and a former Freshman All-American, Jacas enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most battle-tested, physically mature edge defenders in the class — and one whose best football may still be ahead of him.
Jacas, pronounced with a silent “J,” was a three-star recruit out of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and a two-time state wrestling champion in high school. That background shows up immediately on tape. He plays with balance, hand placement, and core strength that mirrors elite grapplers. At 6’3” and 260 pounds, he’s built like a classic 4-3 defensive end — compact, powerful, and dense through the hips. His frame is NFL-ready, and his play style is tailor-made for trench warfare.
The production is there. Jacas finished his college career with 27 sacks, including 11.0 in 2025, which led the Big Ten and ranked sixth nationally. He added 44 QB hurries, 22 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles over three seasons. He was a consistent presence in opposing backfields, and his ability to win early in reps — especially with power — made him a gameplan priority for offensive coordinators across the conference.
Jacas’ game begins with explosive hands. He’s a violent striker who generates knockback on contact. His bull rush is a weapon — not just because of raw strength, but because of how he sets it up. He plays with excellent pad level, gets under the tackle’s chest, and drives with leg power. When he lands clean, it’s over. He also shows a strong long-arm stab, which he uses to create separation and collapse the pocket.
His get-off is solid, though not elite. He’s more of a power-first rusher than a bend-and-burst specialist. That said, he’s quick enough off the snap to threaten the edge, and he uses tempo well to manipulate tackles. He’s not a twitchy speed rusher, but he’s efficient — no wasted movement, no false steps. His stride is compact, and he maintains balance through contact.
Where Jacas really shines is in his pass-rush sequencing. He’s developed a full toolbox: bull rush, rip, swim, club, and inside counters. He understands how to string moves together, how to attack leverage, and how to read the tackle’s set. His wrestling background gives him a natural feel for hand fighting, and he rarely gets stuck in a rep. He’s also shown the ability to rush from multiple alignments — wide-9, 5-tech, and even standing up as a hybrid OLB.
Against the run, Jacas is a plus defender. He sets a firm edge, locks out with length, and sheds blocks with authority. He’s disciplined in gap control and rarely over-pursues. His tackling is reliable — he wraps, drives, and finishes. He’s especially effective in short-yardage situations, where his leverage and power allow him to anchor and clog lanes. He’s not just a pass rusher — he’s a complete edge.
One of the most underrated aspects of Jacas’ profile is his motor and leadership. He plays hard every snap, chases down plays from the backside, and brings visible energy to the defense. Coaches rave about his work ethic, film study habits, and locker room presence. He’s the type of player who elevates the culture of a defensive line room.
There are limitations. Jacas doesn’t have elite bend or top-end speed. He’s not going to win with pure athleticism against NFL tackles. His ceiling as a pass rusher may be capped by his lack of twitch. He’s more of a technician than a freak, and that means he’ll need to continue refining his counters and timing to win consistently at the next level.
Still, the floor is high. Jacas projects as an early rotational edge with starter upside. He fits best in a 4-3 front as a strong-side defensive end, but he can also play in hybrid schemes as a 5-tech or stand-up edge. His power, hand usage, and run defense make him a plug-and-play contributor, and his pass-rush development suggests he could become a double-digit sack artist in the right system.
Projection: Round 2–3 Role: Rotational edge with starter upside and three-down utility Scheme Fits: 4-3 DE, 5-tech in hybrid fronts, stand-up EDGE in pressure packages
Gabe Jacas may not be the flashiest name in the class, but he’s one of the most reliable. He’s a technician with power, a motor with violence, and a wrestler’s mindset in the trenches. For teams looking to add toughness, versatility, and production to their defensive front, Jacas is going to be a Day 2 steal.
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