For Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas, there’s one player he’s looking to model his game after, who happens to be a former fan-favorite from New England.
In his pre-draft scouting report, NFL.com listed Jacas’ player comparison as Matthew Judon, and the Patriots’ new edge couldn’t agree more.
advertise
“There are a lot of similarities between my game and his game, and I can’t wait to continue to get better,” Jakas told reporters on a video call after being drafted. “Continuing to be a raw edge rusher. I can model myself after him … a guy with speed and strength. Able to use his hands well. Able to make edge moves and power moves.”
It also helps that Judon works with Joe Kim, one of Jakas’ coaches at Illinois. Kim then showed him a lot of videos and taught him many of the skills Judon used in the game.
“Joe Kim is one of the best in the business,” Jacas said. “One thing he always brings to the room is the ability to use your hands effectively and stay on your trajectory, stay close to the fight. Attack the tackle, don’t go around him, don’t move away from him. Stay on your trajectory and go right through him.”
He added that he was extremely grateful to King for “developing me into the pass rusher I am now,” adding that after visiting the Patriots before the draft, the pass rush coach told him, “Yeah, you’re a Patriot.”
advertise
New England made sure that became a reality when they made the trade and selected him with the 55th overall pick.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots new EDGE Gabe Jacas models former fan favorite
