Traditionally, when an Illinois football player has been drafted or signed by the New England Patriots, it has worked out well for them.

Defensive backs Eugene Wilson and Tavon Wilson. defensive end Michael Buchanan, tight end Michael Hoomananui and offensive lineman Ted Karras all earned Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. Seven since 2004.

Might be an eighth on the way after the Patriots picked Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas in the second round of Friday's NFL draft. He was the No. 55 overall pick.

The Patriots picked one Illinois player in the first round, quarterback Tony Eason in the 1983 draft. Eason led the team to one Super Bowl appearance against the Chicago Bears, It did not go well with the Bears winning 46-10 in 1986.

Eugene Wilson and Tavon Wilson were second-round picks by the Patriots.

New England is coming off a Super Bowl appearance against Seattle, which it lost 29-13.

It has been a bit of a rough off-season for New England, which has had to deal with the fallout from a scandal involving coach Mike Vrabel and a reporter from The Athletic, Dianna Russini.

When Jacas joins the team, he won't be expected to jump into the starting lineup. But there will be an opportunity to contribute early, especially on obvious passing downs.

New England will start eight-year veteran Dre'Mont Jones at outside linebacker. The Ohio State product has also played for Denver, Seattle, Tennessee and Baltimore. He signed with the Patriots in March as an unrestricted free agent.

Jones' deal is for three years and almost $40 million, more tha half of it guaranteed.

Jones could end up being an ideal mentor for Jacas. He knows the league well and shares a Big Ten background with the former Illini. Their ex-teams open the Big Ten season in Columbus.