The New England Patriots traded up in the first round of the draft, and they traded up again in the second. Jumping from the 63rd to the 55th pick in a trade with the Chargers, the reigning AFC champions selected defensive edge Gabe Jacas.
New England gave up its originally-assigned selection as well as the 131st pick in Round 4 and the 202nd pick in Round 6 to move. Let’s grade the move.
Instant grades: Patriots draft ED Gabe Jacas 55th overall
Bernd Buchmasser: The Patriots needed help on the edge, and given that the position was quickly thinning out moving up the board made plenty of sense. Jacas himself is a great fit for what they want to do on the edge: he is a stout run defender who plays with a high motor and can perform on all three downs. | Grade: A
Pat Lane: I really like what Jacas gives for the Patriots. He is one of the best run stopping edge’s in this year’s class, and he also had 11 sacks last year. The Patriots desperately needed edge help, and Jacas was a guy who they were linked to throughout the draft process. They had to give up a fourth- and sixth-rounder to move up and get him, but I think it’s worth it for them. | Grade: A
Matt St. Jean: Jacas is quick, powerful, and aggressive, all things needed on the edge in this defense. Ranked No. 50 by consensus and picked at No. 55, the value feels right at a position of need for New England. Jacas was a team captain with a penchant for knocking the ball out with 7 career forced fumbles, and his 27 career sacks are 2nd in school history. Jacas also worked with pass rush specialist Joe Kim at Illinois who was with New England from 2018 through 2024, and his background in wrestling reminds me of the success Stephen Neal had for the Patriots. | Grade: A
Andrew Guindon: New England traded up and got a premiere edge rusher before the position significantly thinned out talent-wise. Jacas is a very powerful pass-rusher who finishes through plays and can overwhelm his matchup as a bull-rusher at times. The collegiate wrestler is also exceptional in the run game. The compensation the Patriots had to give up is well worth Jacas’ production in college, recording 27 sacks, 35.5 tackles for a loss and seven forced fumbles. I especially am a fan of this pick because he could be an immediate contributor next season. | Grade: A
The Patriots’ next draft pick is set to come at No. 95 in the third round. Their biggest remaining needs include tight end and linebacker.
What do you think about this draft pick, though? Do you like it? Do you not? Please participate in our poll and head to the comment section to discuss.
