Background
Gabe Jacas grew up in Port St. Lucie, Florida, attended Fort Pierce Central High School, and was a two-time Florida Class 3A state wrestling champion.. His older brother, Khaliq, played defensive line at FIU and, after his playing career ended, moved back home and spent years coaching Gabe privately on pass-rush technique; Jacas has called him his superhero. Gabe was a three-star recruit originally committed to Tulane before flipping to Illinois on Early Signing Day 2021 after local Florida coaches flagged his film to head coach Bret Bielema. As a true freshman in 2022 he posted four sacks and became the first true freshman All-American in Illinois program history, built steadily year over year to eight sacks as a junior in 2024, then led the Big Ten with 11 sacks in 2025 and declared for the 2026 NFL Draft having finished his career second in Illinois program history with 27 sacks.
Physical Attributes
Gabe Jacas did not take part in enough drills to generate an RAS, but here is the combination of his pro day workout and combine:
That 10-yard split, especially for someone at 260 lbs, is elite. He shows his elite speed and strength on tape as well. There was a snap where he was unblocked versus Wisconsin and got to the QB in a time pretty darn close to that 10-yard split. He constantly pushes tackles back into the pocket. When he stunts, he nearly teleports to the open gap he aims for. I wish he did combine drills, or that his pro day was available to watch because while he has good bend, I want to see what the top end of it actually looks like.
Data and Tape Analysis
If you are unfamiliar with my EDGE radar charts, you can find more information here
Jacas has all the physical traits you want out of a pass rusher, but he just has not put it all together in anything more than flashes yet. Though he will turn only 22 the month after the draft, so there is plenty of time for him to fulfill his potential.
His run defense is nearly shambolic. Jacas has little to no play recognition and is late to almost every ball carrier. There was one play against Indiana where he was the read EDGE and Mendoza handed the ball off to a RB who walked right past Jacas before he ever realized what happened. When the play is more simple and straightforward, he can fire to the ball, but that is the exception.
Jacas as a pass rusher shows a ton of promise, but looks like a player who has come nowhere near the level of technical mastery necessary to take advantage of his gifts. Odd timing and combinations between his feet and hands leave him under-leveraged and using suboptimal power. Based on nothing but his high motor and strength, he can walk OTs back into the pocket. If he knew how to do it properly, it would happen more consistently and even more quickly.
His best move is his speed move outside because the barrier to technique in that is much lower. His bend and speed are problems, and if he sees an outside shoulder open, he can attack it in the blink of an eye.
Grade and Outlook
Tools, tools, tools. I feel like a broken record, but for some positions, it is that simple. Jacas did not look like a great pass rusher in college. A lot of very good NFL EDGEs did not either, but got better in the NFL because the league was more suited to their strengths, and there is something to the coaching difference. Jacas is going to be one of those guys.
Grade: 5.9 (2nd Rounder)
