Gabe Jacas: Power Rusher for Chiefs in NFL Draft

0:00On April 20th, Illinois defensive in Gabe Jockis is turning heads as a prime target for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL Draft. This 6-foot-3-260-pound beast exploded onto the scene as a freshman in 2022 with four sacks and five tackles for loss, starting eight games alongside future pros. By his senior year, he racked up 11 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, and three force fumbles, earning first team all big 10 honors. His game screens power rusher, built on explosive lower body strength, and heavy hands that let him control tackles and collapse pockets with bull, rushes, or inside counters. Jockis flies off the snap with a 4.65 40 yard dash and a quick 1.5 9 10 yard split, keeping that motor running snap after snap. Coming out under recruited with few big offers, he proved out as wrong under coach Brett Biilema, rebounding from a down sophomore year to dominate.

1:02Scouts note his relentless style fits teams needing pocket pushers, though his stiff hips limit edge bend. Jockis shines against the pass, but needs work on run awareness, like spotting outside chips or chasing in space. He's better suited as a weak side end. Not taking double teams. Pair him with George Carlaftus, who handles strong side, and you got a duo condensing lanes for Steve Spagnololo's defense. Ranked as the top day two edge in seventh overall at his position, Jockis draws Matthew Jude on vibes for that power and grit. If the chief skip edge at pick 9 snag him around 29 or 40, he's the perfect consolation with Pro Bowl upside. I'm Cory with the story that your NFL news today update AI powered and always on.