Chiefs draft profile Gabe Jacas could be the Day 2 jackpot

Every draft is its own living, breathing entity. It's easy to slap the same basic analysis on every draft class: take premium positions high. While that is likely true more often than not, there's still more to look at beyond just premium positions. The 2026 draft class is deep at some key spots that might greatly benefit the Kansas City Chiefs.

Historically speaking, edge rushers selected on Day 2 of the draft are far more likely to be role players at best. If you want a quality, starting-level edge rusher, that usually has to be a top 10–15 pick. The history of edge rushers taken in the back half of the first round is even littered with big misses (Felix Anudike-Uzomah). However, the edge class for 2026 is very good and has plenty of depth. It's easy to see the Chiefs sprinting to the podium for a Rueben Bain Jr. or Keldrick Faulk, but that might not actually be the best strategy for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs could potentially target a thinner position within the class (running back, corner, or tackle) at pick No. 9 and then grab an edge with pick No. 40. Another factor with the edge class, beyond depth, is the various body types. The Chiefs likely won't be in on some of the smaller stand-up 3-4 edge rushers such as R. Mason Thomas, Cashius Howell, or Romello Height, leaving some better fits for them on Day 2.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

Age: 21 (on draft day)

Height: 6-3 (verified)

Weight: 260 LBS (verifed)

Hand: 8.38 inches (verifed)

Arms: 32.68 inches (verified)

Tape Exposure: Ohio State (2025), Wisconson (2025), Duke (2025)

Shades of: Tuli Tuipulotu or longer Ashton Gillotte

Gabe Jacas' background

Jacas (pronounced Ack-us, silent J) grew up in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and attended Fort Pierce Central High School, where he was also a two-time state champion wrestler. He was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports. He originally committed to Tulane before a late flip to Illinois before his freshman season. A four-year starter for a talented Illinois defense, Jacas logged 27 sacks over his four years and 35.5 tackles for loss.

Gabe Jacas' strengths

Athleticism and Strength

Despite being a little on the smaller side for a 4-3 edge defender, Jacas is strong enough at the point of attack to be aligned as a 4i and still defend the run. He's a twitchy athlete, which is why he ranked 59th on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List." Feldman reports that at 260 lbs., Jacas is under 12% body fat, has been clocked at over 20 MPH on GPS tracking, and put up over 30 repetitions of 225 lbs. on the bench press.

Pass Rush Profile

With 27 sacks in his four-year career, he's been highly effective at getting to the quarterback. His 16.8% pass rush win rate ranks in the 86th percentile of all FBS edge rushers. He shows great speed-to-power conversion and nice lateral agility with stunts and games. He also displays a high motor as a rusher and never gives up on a play or a sack.

Run Defense

Don't let his usage fool you. Even as a stand-up edge rusher, he was highly effective as a run defender. His 7.9% run stop percentage ranks in the 78th percentile, and he was also credited with 96 run stops via Pro Football Focus. His ability to read and react to what's happening in the backfield helps him be a plus run defender.

Gabe Jacas' weaknesses

Pass Rush Plan

While Jacas has been effective rushing the passer, there's not much of a plan beyond speed to power and a high motor. There needs to be growth in adding a secondary move to get off blocks.

First Step and Bend

He lacks an explosive first step and doesn't threaten tackles up the arc as a pure speed threat. He's not overly bendy up the arc and tends to corner off his rushes rather than taking the most direct path.

How early could Gabe Jacas be drafted?

Realistically, there are only a few things holding him back from being a fringe first-round talent. The first is the depth of the class; the second is his frame. While Jacas isn't undersized, his length might not be as coveted as some other names above or around him (Zion Young). There's lots to love about his profile: the wrestling background, reports from scouts that he's "all football, all the time," and that he's a weight room rat. Overall, Jacas at pick No. 40 could be a "sprint the card in" situation.

Gabe Jacas has ideal size and strong pass-rush production (27 sacks). He wins with speed-to-power, quickness, and a high motor. He's an average run defender who struggles with leverage, anchoring, and hand usage, along with average first-step explosion.

Round Grade: Green Chip (Second-Round Pick)