Gabe Jacas: Patriots' Edge Rusher Priority

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Patriots front office and coach Mike Raeble made it clear at the NFL Combine,

Ed Rusher is their top priority this offseason.

They signed Raymont Jones to a three-year deal right away, but he's still rehabbing from injuries,

and they lost Kalevon Sheson and Amphanee. Jennings and free agency.

Now, second-year guys Elijah Ponder and Braden Swinson are the main backups behind Harold Landry,

so drafting early feels like a lock. Illinois standout.

Gabe Joccas looks like a prime target, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior, turning 22 in May.

He balled out over four years, racking up 183 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, and 27 sacks total.

Last season, as team captain, he led the Big Ten with 11 sacks, 6th in the nation,

earning first team all conference honors. Fans and scouts love his wrestler background,

bringing that raw power with 30 bench press reps at the Combine and a non-stop motor.

He bullies with bull rushes, fights through blocks, and chases plays downfield.

But he's not always explosive off the snap, can get stiff, and needs to sharpen his rush plan against elite tackles.

Projective for rounds two or three around pick 54 overall.

Joccas could rotate in day one with Landry and Jones.

His size and violence fit New England's defensive vibe perfectly, plus he handles run duties and even field goal blocks.

Gross ceiling is high as an every-down guy if he builds consistency.

Patriots might trade up from 31 or 62 if his stock rises, but Elliott Wolfe wants that quick first step they prioritize.

Either way, Joccas brings the edge heat this team craves to pressure quarterbacks all season.