The Patriots addressed a need on Day 2 of the NFL, attacking again, this time on the edge.
Outside linebacker Gabe Jacas (pronounced ACK-us with a silent J) of Illinois went to New England at pick No. 23 of the second round, 55th overall.
It was the second time in as many days that the Patriots traded up to make a selection. This time, sliding up eight spots cost New England a fourth-round pick on Saturday.
Jacas, a 6-4, 261-pounder, played 50 games in four college seasons – all at Illinois – registering 27 career sacks.
Jacas described his playing style to the assembled New England media after his selection.
“Just playing with a relentless motor. Very disruptive, very violent. Someone that’s very dependable, someone that’s going to bring the energy and the juice to the team,” said Jacas. “And someone that’s just all around, just an all-out motor player and someone that they can just look forward to see playing. That’s the player they can expect.”
The kid, a state champion wrestler in high school, will have the opportunity to start right away on a Patriots defense hungering for a pressure creator from the edge.
He expects his work to look familiar to Pats fans.
“Matt Judon. (Illinois coach) Joe Kim coached him as well at the Patriots. There’s so many similarities to my game and his, and I can’t wait to just continue to get better and to continue to be a proceeding edge rusher,” said Jacas. “And that’s someone I can model my game after. Someone that used to be at the Patriots. Speed-to-power guy, able to use his hands well, able to work, edge moves and power moves.”
File this one away
Those of you who might be fans of conspiracy, it should be noted that the Philadelphia Eagles – desperately in need of offensive line talent – chose to select tight end Eli Stowers of Vanderbilt in Round 2.
That lends credence to my outside-the-box theory that Patriots’ No. 1 pick, offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, might be headed to the Eagles as part of a deal for wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Of course, the theory took a hit in Round 3 when Philly selected offensive lineman Markel Bell of Miami.
We shall see how the theory holds as the June date that makes a Brown trade more financially acceptable or Philly approaches.