Patriots Add Edge Rusher, Tight End on Day 2 of 2026 Draft
The New England Patriots selected Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas and Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- The Patriots traded picks No. 63, No. 131, and No. 202 to move up to No. 55 and select Jacas.
- Raridon was selected at No. 95.
Gabe Jacas
Jacas was a freshman All-American in 2022, third-team All-American in 2024, and second-team All-Big Ten in 2025.
- He led Illinois in tackles for loss in 2024 (13) and 2025 (13.5), finishing ninth in program history with 35.5 career tackles for loss.
- He recorded 27 career sacks, including team-leading totals in 2024 and 2025.
Jacas described his play style as "very disruptive, violent and dependable."
Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said Jacas was the highest-rated player on their draft board Friday night, adding that his "play style is what we’re all about."
Wolf noted Jacas's toughness, determination, grit, physicality, and high snap count.
The Patriots ranked seventh-lowest in the NFL with 35 sacks in 2025. New England's starting pass rushers, Harold Landry and Dre'Mont Jones, will have a combined age of 59 in 2026.
Eli Raridon
Raridon suffered two ACL tears in his right knee within 10 months and underwent a medical evaluation with the Patriots, which Wolf said showed "no real concerns."
- He played in all 28 games in his final two collegiate seasons.
- In 2025, Raridon recorded 32 receptions for 482 yards and had three career drops on 48 career catches.
Wolf said Raridon has "untapped potential" and that his confidence grew throughout the 2025 season.
Raridon played basketball in high school, earning second-team all-state honors as a junior forward.