Patriots’ most important rookie receives huge vote of confidence

In most cases, being compared to a mule has a negative connotation.

But in the case of second-round pick Gabe Jacas, it has nothing to do with supreme stubbornness.

Instead, the promising pass-rushing prospect elicited an interesting comparison that speaks volumes about his on-field demeanor. However, just because Jacas received a huge vote of confidence from his position coach doesn't mean the Patriots should feel completely confident about their ability to get after opposing quarterbacks.

After all, even though the well-built outside linebacker has the physical tools and motor you look for in a top-tier edge rusher, he's teeming with that buzzword that can backfire on scouts and coaches: potential.

Gabe Jacas earns strong backing from his position coach

Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith has helped develop several star pass rushers during his career. Over the years, he's worked with standout sack artists like Danielle Hunter, Za'Darius Smith, Dee Ford, and Preston Smith.

So, let's just say the veteran position coach understands what it takes to become a consistent threat off the edge.

During his media availability on Tuesday, Smith delivered quite a statement about his new pupil.

“I'm not a gambler, but I kind of look at maybe anything in life as gambling. You got a kid that's big like him, that's athletic like him, that's meaner than a wet mule, and he loves football. I'm not gonna say he's gonna be Jason Taylor or LT or any of that stuff, but it's gonna be very hard for him to fail," Smith said, per Doug Kyed.

Describing Jacas as "meaner than a wet mule" certainly matches up with some of the pre-draft hype surrounding the former Illinois star. Known as a tough, physical player with a non-stop motor, Jacas brings an element of toughness that's sorely needed at the position.

Nobody knows that better than his boss, as Mike Vrabel earned a reputation for being one of the toughest players to ever don a Patriots uniform.

Boasting a prototypical frame for a 3-4 outside linebacker, Jacas certainly looks the part stepping off the bus. But to this point, it's fair to say he's been underwhelming after missing essentially all of the offseason program.

Still, the coaching staff clearly has big-time expectations for the 6-foot-4, 261-pound rookie. Smith's comment that it's going to be hard for Jacas to fail reinforces that.

Plus, the lack of depth at the position—especially with veteran Harold Landry still working his way back from offseason knee surgery—only makes a path to immediate playing time more realistic.

The Patriots can't afford to play it slow with their second-round pick

While the Patriots have no reason to put first-round pick Caleb Lomu on the field in Week 1, that's not the case with their second-round selection.

With Will Campbell entrenched at left tackle and Morgan Moses anchoring the right side, Lomu looks destined for backup duties in year one. Plus, his inconsistent training camp and preseason performances have raised concerns about his ability to keep Drake Maye out of harm's way.

Taking the patient approach with their top pick seems like the best strategy for a Patriots team that took him as a developmental project with an eye on 2027.

On the other hand, the team traded up to secure Jacas, signifying just how important he is to their short- and long-term plans.

Obviously, missing valuable practice time put him behind the proverbial eight ball. But with Landry's status up in the air and Dre'Mont Jones being the only proven pass rusher on the roster, Jacas may have to learn on the fly.

If there's reason for optimism, it's that he has a head coach who understands better than anyone what it takes to be successful at the position. Plus, Smith is a well-respected assistant with a track record of coaxing big-time production from his players.

So, will the Patriots have to live with some blown assignments?

Probably.

Will they have to deal with rookie growing pains?

Undoubtedly.

But can they afford to keep Jacas on the sidelines when they open their season in Seattle?

Unless Harold Landry makes a miraculous recovery over the coming weeks, the answer is unequivocally "no."

Only time will tell if Gabe Jacas makes the most of his opportunity. But if Mike Smith's comments ring true, he can't possibly fail, right?

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