The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers need one more pass rusher and it would not be shocking to see Brian Gutekunst use the 52nd overall pick to address the position, with a potential target being Gabe Jacas. The Illinois edge rusher checks in at No. 12 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A three-star recruit out of Florida, Jacas recorded five tackles for loss and four sacks during his first season on campus in 2022. The following season, he recorded four sacks. In 2024, he recorded 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks. During his final season at Illinois, Jacas recorded 43 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
Jacas is a powerful edge rusher. He has thunder in his hands. He might as well call his left hand Mjolnir and his right hand Stormbreaker. He keeps his feet moving at contact and uses a long-arm move to collapse the pocket’s integrity. He has a devastating bull rush and a powerful cross-chop. He finished his career with 142 pressures and 27 sacks.
“Jacas is a densely framed edge rusher,” Devin Jackson, an NFL Draft writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, said. “He has heavy hands to knock back offensive linemen and has enough wiggle to beat tackles on their outside shoulder.”
Jacas is a ready-made run defender. With his long arms (33 inches) he’s able to lock out and keep himself detached. The Illinois edge rusher uses his powerful hands to deconstruct blocks. He’s strong at the point of attack and sets a firm edge. He combines all that power with adequate quickness and good balance to wiggle into the backfield to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. During his final two seasons, he recorded 26.5 tackles for loss and 61 stops.
“Jacas has powerful hands that can knock back and shock offensive linemen,” Jackson said. “He can lock out against the run, stack and shed to make plays.”
Fit with the Packers
As it stands right now, the Packers figure to deploy Lukas Van Ness and Barryn Sorrell as the two starting edge rushers to open the 2026 season, while Micah Parsons rehabs from a torn ACL.
Even with Collin Oliver and Brenton Cox Jr providing depth, it’s a room that needs another body. If the Packers take an edge rusher with the 52nd overall pick, Jacas is on the short list of potential targets.
Jacas checks the boxes. The Illinois product recorded 26.5 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, 85 pressures and 61 run stops during his final two seasons with the Fighting Illini. He will turn 22 in May. He’s athletic and has an NFL frame.
“Jacas has a nice power profile,” Jackson said. “He is an active pass rusher and run defender who won’t ever be a top edge rusher but a really solid second or third option in your rotation.”
A team can never have enough talented pass rushers. While he may not be the most explosive athlete, Jacas packs a powerful punch and has adequate quickness.
He’s a well-rounded player who could serve as a quality No. 3 Edge rusher and barring what happens with Van Ness, he could be the long-term running mate for Parsons. His violent and powerful play style would pair nicely with Parsons. Adding premium talent at a premium position is never a bad idea.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 12, Illinois DE Gabe Jacas
Reporting by Brennen Rupp, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
