Insider Says This Patriots 2026 NFL Draft Pick Will 'Be A Starter By Midseason' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriotsselected edge rusher Gabe Jacas in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft after the defender finished a stellar career with the University of Illinois.
Jacas finished his college career tied for sixth all-time in the Big Ten in sacks with 27.0, including a career-high 11.0 during the 2025 season.
The Patriots' selection of the 21-year-old has drawn plenty of praise from NFL analysts, including senior writer Josh Kendall of The Athletic.
"The second-round edge rusher will start the season as a rotational player, but he’ll be a starter by midseason," Kendall wrote. "Harold Landry III and Dre’Mont Jones are both 29. The Patriots were 20th in the league in sack percentage last season (6.2 percent), according to TruMedia. They needed some young legs."
Jacas was the first defensive player that New England took in last week's showcase, after the franchise selected offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick.
The Patriots split their nine draft picks fairly evenly between offense and defense, selecting five players to join quarterback Drake Maye's unit and four defenders.
More NFL: Patriots Executive Eliot Wolf Denies Mike Vrabel Rumor Following NFL Draft