Bills Eyeing Illinois Pass Rusher Gabe Jacas in 2026 NFL Draft

Jacas could provide a much-needed boost to Buffalo's defensive front.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:05am

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The Buffalo Bills are likely to target Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jacas is coming off an impressive senior season in which he recorded 11 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, and his combination of size, speed, and pass-rushing ability make him an ideal fit to help improve the Bills' pass rush.

Why it matters

The Bills' defense struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2025, finishing 20th in the league in total sacks. Adding a talented young pass rusher like Jacas could help transform their defensive front and provide a long-term solution opposite star edge rusher Greg Rousseau.

The details

Jacas is a physical, disciplined player who creates havoc in the backfield. He had 11 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in his senior season at Illinois, and has forced six fumbles over the past two years. At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, he has the ideal size and athleticism to excel as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. The Bills have lacked consistent pass-rushing talent opposite Rousseau, and Jacas could be the perfect complement to help improve their defense.

  • Jacas is coming off a standout senior season at Illinois in 2025.
  • He impressed at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, putting up 30 reps on the bench press and running a 4.6 40-yard dash at his pro day.

The players

Gabe Jacas

A 21-year-old edge rusher from the University of Illinois who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Greg Rousseau

The Bills' leading sack getter in 2025 with 7 sacks, tied for 35th most among individual pass rushers.

Bradley Chubb

A free agent addition by the Bills who will help bolster their pass rush in 2026.

Landon Jackson

A 2025 third-round pick by the Bills who is entering his second NFL season.

Javon Solomon

A 2024 fifth-round pick by the Bills who is in the final year of his rookie contract.

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What they’re saying

“You're going to get a physical player, disciplined player, someone that doesn't take a play off. Someone that's just a natural leader, someone that's going to attack every play, someone that you can depend on.”

— Gabe Jacas

What’s next

The Bills will have the opportunity to select Jacas with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place on April 24-26.

The takeaway

Gabe Jacas could be the perfect solution to help improve the Bills' pass rush and provide a long-term complement to star edge rusher Greg Rousseau. His combination of size, speed, and production at the college level make him an enticing target for Buffalo in the first round.