Instant grades for the Patriots drafting ED Gabe Jacas in Round 2

BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Gabe Jacas #17 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during a college football game against the Indiana Hoosiers on September 20, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images 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 .

Let’s grade the pick. 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.