NFL Draft 'Red Star' Prospect Linked to Chargers Feels Inevitable

Analysts believe Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas is a perfect fit for the Los Angeles Chargers' defense.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:00am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in the midst of a pass rush, with sharp geometric planes in navy blue, powder blue, and gold representing the dynamic movement and energy of the game.The Chargers' defense could get a major boost from the addition of a relentless edge rusher like Gabe Jacas, whose playing style and versatility make him a perfect fit for their scheme.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Chargers have shown significant interest in Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas during the pre-draft process, and analysts believe he is a perfect fit for their defense. Jacas has been labeled a 'red star' prospect by NFL.com's Bucky Brooks, meaning he is expected to outperform his draft position. The Chargers, who hold the 55th overall pick in the second round, will have to work to ensure they can land Jacas, but many feel his addition to the team is inevitable.

Why it matters

The Chargers' defensive picks this year will be crucial in determining the team's success in the upcoming season and beyond. With the departure of defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Baltimore Ravens, the Chargers will be looking to maintain the success of their defensive scheme under new coordinator Chris O'Leary. Gabe Jacas, with his relentless approach and natural instincts, could be the perfect addition to complement the Chargers' dominant front line and help solidify their defense.

The details

Gabe Jacas, an edge rusher from the University of Illinois, has emerged as a favorite target for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chargers have shown significant interest in Jacas during the pre-draft process, which is unusual for a team known for keeping its draft plans relatively secretive. Analysts believe Jacas' skill set and playing style are a perfect fit for the Chargers' defense, which is led by defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. NFL.com's Bucky Brooks has labeled Jacas as a 'red star' prospect, meaning he is expected to outperform his draft position. Pro Football Focus' big board has Jacas ranked 51st overall and praises his versatility in a 3-4 defensive alignment.

  • The Chargers hold the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Gabe Jacas

An edge rusher from the University of Illinois who has emerged as a favorite target for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Chris O'Leary

The defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Joe Hortiz

The general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jesse Minter

The former defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers, who has taken a head coaching job with the Baltimore Ravens.

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What they’re saying

“Jacas' relentless approach and natural instincts enable him to win by utilizing a series of signature maneuvers and counters that keep offensive tackles guessing on the edges. While his game lacks pizzazz, the ultra-physical defender is the persistent threat that defensive coordinators covet to complement a dominant frontline defender.”

— Bucky Brooks, NFL.com Analyst

What’s next

The Chargers will have to do some work to ensure they can land Gabe Jacas in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they hold the 55th overall pick in the second round and only have five picks overall, limiting their ability to move around the board if they think Jacas won't fall to them.

The takeaway

The addition of Gabe Jacas to the Los Angeles Chargers' defense could be a crucial piece in helping the team maintain the success of their defensive scheme under new coordinator Chris O'Leary. Jacas' relentless playing style and natural instincts make him an ideal fit to complement the Chargers' dominant front line and solidify their defense for the upcoming season and beyond.