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5 Pass-Rushers Patriots Are Most Likely To Take In 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots would be wise to target pass-rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It's safe to say that is the biggest need after losing Anfernee Jennings and K'Lavon Chaisson, only to replace that lost production with the additions of Dre'Mont Jones and Jesse Luketa -- a.k.a. not enough. The Patriots could probably afford to draft multiple contributors along the edge, not only to add competition at the position but to invest in the future, which means they will target it early.
I'd go as far as to say these are the five likeliest options:
Gabe Jacas
School: Illinois
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 260 lbs
Hand: 10"
Arm: 33"
Scouting Combine: 30 (Bench Press)
2025 Stats: 12 G, 11.0 SACKS, 13.5 TFL, 3 FF
Jacas is the lone player on this list who hasn't officially met with the organization, but we're going to toss him at the top due to the fact that he checks all of the boxes when it comes to what they're looking for: positional versatility, effort, productivity, upside, leadership etc. The Patriots aren't the only team looking for those things, but could end up in the exact range to feel comfortable pulling the trigger on an intriguing but far from perfect prospect.
If they're able to trade out of the first round and stockpile second- and third-round picks -- which seems to be the goal if you want to take advantage of the depth at edge, tight end, and linebacker -- this young man would be on the short list of players they consider taking.
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Gabe Jacas forces the fumble@IlliniFootball recovers.
: Peacock pic.twitter.com/4u6OPpddgn
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 30, 2025
Zion Young
School: Missouri
Height: 6' 6"
Weight: 262 lbs
Hand: 9 1/2"
Arm: 33"
Scouting Combine: N/A
2025 Stats: 13 G, 6.5 SACKS, 16.5 TFL, 2 FF
Young, on the other hand, reportedly has met twice with New England -- at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and on a Top 30 Visit.
It's always interesting to see how some folks interpret multiple visits, as you could easily assume it signals interest but the majority of the time it means there are questions left to be answered. I didn’t happen to be in any of those meetings, so let’s just assume they led to something positive and there is interest on both sides.
Romello Height
School: Texas Tech
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 239 lbs
Hand: 9 1/2"
Arm: 32 1/4"
Scouting Combine: 4.64 (40), 39" (Vertical), 10' 5" (Broad)
2025 Stats: 14 G, 10.0 SACKS, 11.5 TFL, 2 FF
Height almost certainly had to answer questions about playing for four schools (Auburn, USC, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech) during his up-and-down collegiate career. The Patriots haven’t shied away from players who have taken advantage of the transfer portal, however, and there is no doubt that they would be adding a different element if they pulled the trigger here.
R Mason Thomas
School: Oklahoma
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 241 lbs
Hand: 8 7/8"
Arm: 31 5/8"
Scouting Combine: 4.67 (40)
2025 Stats: 10 G, 6.5 SACKS, 9.5 TFL, 2 FF
Thomas is divisive, which seems to be a prerequisite for players drafted by this organization...
If they intend on taking the player who has the highest ceiling as a pure pass-rusher, then this would be the play. I just don't know if that's the plan...
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Akheem Mesidor
School: Miami
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 259 lbs
Hand: 10"
Arm: 32 1/8"
Scouting Combine: N/A
2025 Stats: 15 G, 12.5 SACKS, 17.5 TFL, 4 FF
Mesidor is the exact opposite, as his lengthy run in college has made it abundantly clear what he is -- really solid at just about everything, but not at that one thing that can take him over the top. The Patriots would probably have to move up slightly in order to land his services, but there are worse ways to spend draft capital than grabbing someone who would contribute on day one.
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