He is the biggest question mark on the 2026 New England Patriots.
What, if anything, are the Patriots going to get out of rookie second-round draft pick Gabe Jacas?
Regardless of coach Mike Vrabel’s constant praise about what the kid brings in special teams, that’s simply not what New England football fans are looking for.
Sacks and pressures. Tackles for loss. Defensive impact. That’s what people are waiting for from the 6-4, 261-pounder out of Illinois.
High hopes for the opener
What is Jacas thinking about as the Sept. 9 Super Bowl rematch with the Seahawks in Seattle approaches?
“It’s a pretty special moment for me and my family, just to wear my last name proud and represent them well,” said Jacas in his locker room media session on Thursday.
“It’s just another game to take advantage of. Obviously every game in the NFL excites me. This is the first regular season game. That’s what excites me the most. I’m going to remember this game for the rest of my life.”
Preparing for the moment
Jacas doesn’t expect to have nerves. New England football followers expect him to be better than he has been in three rather nondescript preseason performances.
“I’ve always had the mindset that hey, it’s just football. They put clothes on just like I do, so just go out there and trust in your ability,” Jacas said.
“I feel ready. Each and every day, (I’m) just continuing to watch film, continuing to learn from the coaches and trusting the game plan.”
Forced into action early
New England is counting on the rookie to at least be part of the edge-rusher rotation. He’s third on the depth chart behind Dre’Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder, meaning he’ll likely see significant snaps in the opener.
With Harold Landry, the team’s top returning sack leader, remaining on the “Physically Unable to Participate” list to open the year, the need for Jacas to step up and be a major part of this defense has been enhanced – the process sped up dramatically.
Goals for the defense
He talked positively about the defense and his ability to do just that. When asked what this defense would like to project as 2026 unfolds, Jacas gave fans a reason to believe.
“Be physical, be violent … just show that relentless pursuit, that relentless motor to the ball, just be a whole bunch of savages out there, just doing our jobs, relying on our techniques and our fundamentals,” he said.
Will he and the Patriots deliver? That remains a question that can only be answered on Sept. 9 and beyond.
