2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Illinois OLB Gabe Jacas

Illinois outside linebacker Gabe Jacas has steadily emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive playmakers in the Big Ten, developing into a high-upside edge defender with traits that translate cleanly to the NFL. A former under-the-radar recruit who blossomed into a focal point of the Illini defense, Jacas enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle with growing momentum, fueled in part by an impressive showing at last week’s Senior Bowl practices, where he validated his athleticism and pass-rush potential against NFL-caliber competition.

Jacas has been a multi-year contributor in Champaign, earning meaningful snaps early before growing into a featured role along the edge. Illinois has relied on him as a primary pressure generator, asking him to rush from multiple alignments while also handling coverage and run-defense responsibilities. That experience has shaped Jacas into a versatile defender with a strong understanding of scheme and assignment integrity.

Physically, Jacas brings an NFL-friendly profile to the position. He has good height, length, and a lean, explosive build that allows him to threaten offensive tackles with speed and leverage. As a pass rusher, he wins with first-step quickness and effort, consistently stressing the outside shoulder of blockers. His ability to convert speed to power has improved year over year, and he flashes the capacity to collapse the pocket when tackles overset to protect the edge.

Against the run, Jacas plays with discipline and toughness. He sets the edge with urgency, keeps outside leverage, and works to disengage rather than simply running past plays. While still adding functional strength, his effort and awareness allow him to stay effective against bigger linemen. Illinois has trusted him on early downs as well as in obvious passing situations, a testament to his reliability.

Jacas’ performance at the Senior Bowl was a pivotal evaluation point. Throughout the week, he consistently stood out in one-on-one pass-rush drills, showcasing his burst off the snap and his ability to bend around the corner. He recorded multiple clean wins against tackles from Power Five programs, using speed, inside counters, and relentless effort to disrupt the pocket. In team sessions, his motor was evident as he chased plays down from the backside and maintained rush-lane discipline.

Perhaps most encouraging was Jacas’ comfort operating in an NFL-style environment. He took coaching well, adjusted his approach throughout the week, and showed the versatility to rush from both two-point and three-point stances. That adaptability, combined with his practice performance, significantly boosted his draft stock and reinforced the belief that his game will translate beyond college systems.

Strengths

First-Step Explosiveness

Quick get-off allows him to immediately stress offensive tackles.

Pass-Rush Motor

Relentless effort creates second-effort pressures and cleanup plays.

Length and Leverage

Uses reach effectively to keep blockers off his frame.

Senior Bowl Performance

Consistently won one-on-ones and flashed NFL-caliber pass-rush traits.

Scheme Versatility

Experience rushing, setting the edge, and dropping into space.

Weaknesses

Play Strength vs. Power Tackles

Continued strength development will help against heavy-handed linemen.

Pass-Rush Counter Depth

Can expand his move arsenal to finish more consistently.

Run Defense Consistency

Occasional over-aggression can open cutback lanes.

Production vs. Traits

Impact is sometimes greater on film than in raw sack totals.

Conclusion

Gabe Jacas projects as a high-upside edge defender whose value lies in explosiveness, effort, and developmental potential. His strong Senior Bowl showing confirmed that his athletic traits and pass-rush ability hold up against NFL-level competition, giving evaluators confidence in his projection.

Draft Nation currently views Jacas as a Day 2 to early Day 3 prospect, with upward momentum following his all-star performance. In the right NFL system, particularly one that values speed off the edge and rotational pass rush, Jacas has the tools to contribute early and develop into a consistent pressure-producing defender at the next level.