6 numbers that explain Patriots draft picks Gabe Jacas and Eli Raridon
Analyzing the reasoning behind New England’s Day 2 draft selections.
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 13: Illinois Football OLB Gabe Jacas (17) warms up prior to a college football game between the Western Michigan Broncos and Illinois Fighting Illini on September 13, 2025 at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The New England Patriots acquired two new players on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday night, selecting Illinois edge Gabe Jacas and Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon . New England traded up to No. 55 — sending picks No.
63, No. 131 and No. 202 — to draft Jacas before adding Raridon at No.
95. The Illinois defensive captain was a freshman All-American in 2022 and later earned third-team All-American honors in 2024 and second-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2025. Jacas credits his background in wrestling for his prominent handwork and maneuvering skills, according to The Athletic.
Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said after the selection that the edge rusher was the highest-rated player on the team’s draft board Friday night. “[Jacas’] play style is what we’re all about,” Wolf said. “Toughness, determination, grit.
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