Gabe Jacas Draft Grade | Round 2, Pick 23 | FanVerdicts

Top 29%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Fair Value

Position

EDGE · Premium Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #54 · Day 2 Value

Gabe Jacas emerged as one of the Big Ten's most disruptive edge rushers after a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him record 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The Illinois product possesses an elite first step and exceptional bend around the corner, making him a consistent threat in obvious passing situations. His relentless motor and high football IQ allow him to maximize his athletic gifts, though questions remain about his ability to hold up against NFL-caliber run blocking. Jacas projects as a solid starter who can contribute immediately as a situational pass rusher while developing into a three-down player with proper coaching and strength development.

Strengths

+Explosive first step off the snap allows him to consistently win the corner against college tackles, showcasing elite get-off timing and acceleration.

+Outstanding natural bend and flexibility enable him to dip his shoulder and maintain speed around the edge while keeping his rush lane intact.

+High motor player who never gives up on plays, often cleaning up tackles and pressures even when his initial rush is thwarted.

+Demonstrates excellent hand usage with active swipes and rips to disengage from blockers, showing natural feel for leverage.

+Strong football IQ evident in his ability to recognize screen plays and bootlegs, often disrupting timing with disciplined rush lane integrity.

+Effective spin move in his arsenal that he times well when tackles over-commit to his speed rush, creating clean pockets for pressure.

+Solid closing speed when pursuing ball carriers from the backside, rarely allowing big plays to extend due to poor effort.

+Shows ability to drop into coverage on occasion, displaying adequate athleticism and awareness in zone responsibilities.

+Natural leader who communicates well pre-snap and helps set the edge in run defense when properly leveraged.

+Consistent production across three seasons demonstrates reliability and steady improvement in technique and strength.

+Excels in third-down packages where his speed and bend create consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

+Active hands in the trenches help him shed blocks and make plays on running backs in the hole.

Weaknesses

-Limited power at the point of attack makes him vulnerable to getting washed down the line by NFL-caliber tackles with proper hand placement.

-Struggles to convert speed to power when his initial rush is stalled, often becoming ineffective when forced into extended pass rush battles.

-Inconsistent run defender who can be moved off his spot by physical tight ends and fullbacks in short-yardage situations.

-Pass rush plan can become predictable as he relies heavily on speed and bend, lacking diverse moves to keep tackles guessing.

-Needs to add functional strength to hold up against the increased size and power of professional offensive linemen.

-Occasionally overruns plays when his pursuit angles are too aggressive, allowing cutback lanes for running backs.

-Must improve his ability to stack and shed blocks when tight ends chip or combo block with the tackle.

-Can be susceptible to misdirection plays when he doesn't maintain proper discipline in his rush lanes.

NFL Comparison: Carl Lawson

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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