Patriots Draft Gabe Jacas: Boosting Pass Rush

0:00It's April 28th. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI, your gridiron update. I'm Cory with the story. The New England Patriots just snagged Edge Russia Gabe Jockas from the University of Illinois in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This 21-year-old defender wrapped up a Monster College career and now joins a squad looking to beef up its front. Jockas racked up 27 sacks over his time in college, tying him for six all time in the Big Ten. He peaked with 11 sacks in the 2025 season alone, showing he can disrupt quarterbacks on the regular. Analysts are hyped about the pick, saying he'll rotate early but lock down a starting spot by mid-season. With guys like Harold Landry III and Dreymon Jones, both turning 29 and the Pats sitting 20th in sack percentage last year at 6. Point 2 percent, they desperately needed fresh, pass rush talent. This was New England's first defensive grab after taking offensive tackle Caleb Lomu at 28th overall in the first round last week.

1:02They balanced their nine total picks smartly, with five on offense to protect quarterback Drake May and four on defense. Overall this draft sets the Pats up for a quicker rebuild on both lines, blending youth with their current core for some real momentum heading into.