FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Illinois EDGE rusher Gabe Jacas.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Gabe Jacas
Gabe Jacas (EDGE – Illinois)
6-foot-3 | 270 Pounds
Background
Gabe Jacas was a three-star recruit who has been starting for the Illini since the fifth game of his true freshman season, where he posted a 35-5.0-4.0 line. Had a similar line of 31-4.0-4.0 in 2023, then saw his production skyrocket to 74-13.0-8.0 in 2024 and 43-13.5-11.0 this past year.
Positives
Jacas was a productive four-year starter whose output increased a lot over the second half of his collegiate career. He’s a very thickly built stand-up EDGE rusher in the team’s odd base defensive front. Has the athleticism of a smaller defender, appearing surprisingly fast, quick and agile for his size. Shows good knee bend and extension to anchor and hold the point of attack in the run game, setting a solid edge.
Flashes the ability to play off of blocks effectively, with good timing to disengage (or occasionally make tackles while engaged). Plays the game with an impressive motor. Has thudding power to help set the tone defensively. Bends a surprisingly smooth arc when working the speed rush around the edge, and shows impressive flexibility in his hips and ankles.
Active with his hands and mixes in different rush moves (including a nice rip). Closes fast when he finds a lane to the passer and has been able to convert a lot of his pressures into sacks in recent years. Has also forced three fumbles in each of the past two seasons. Makes clean drops into zone coverage, showing good fundamental technique.
Negatives
The Illinois prospect’s measurements could be important. It looks like he might have a little less length than some of his peers. Didn’t see him taking many snaps out of a three- or four-point stance during the games reviewed. Awareness and patience in the run game aren’t quite where you’d want them to be for a four-year starter. He takes too many false steps due to his aggressive, attacking style of play, which can undermine the team’s run fits when working against misdirection.
Jacas can also play out of control at times from a technical standpoint — that being the flip-side of his violent, urgent style. Tackling wasn’t the most reliable this past year, apparently due to coming in too hot. Shows sound technique in coverage, but he looks better when he’s allowed to pin his ears back and get after it.
Summary
An interesting prospect in that he has one of the thicker builds in the class, but Jacas moves and plays more like a smaller EDGE rusher. While he lacks ideal discipline, patience and reliability as a tackler to be considered a top run defender at this point, he also shows much more speed, explosiveness and quickness than you’d expect from someone this big.
Jacas’ productive collegiate career and intriguing physical/athletic traits could get him some Day 2 looks for teams that favor an aggressive brand of football.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
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