According to Illinois University's "about me" page on Gabe Jacas, the proper pronunciation of the edge rusher's last name is "ACK-us."
Detroit Lions fans might want to get familiar with that pronunciation if their draft looks like what NFL.com's draft expert Eric Edholm's latest mock.
Edholm has the Lions snagging both Monroe Freeling and Jacas in his latest two-pick mock draft, which would net Detroit a potential starting left tackle as well as a proper addition next to Aidan Hutchinson after a quiet free agency on that front.
Jacas is an extremely intriguing pass rush prospect in this year's draft. With as deep as this class is, it makes sense that he's been projected to fall to the 2nd round in most mocks this season. However, that's no knock on his ability and talent, with the former Fighting Illini defender netting 41 pressures, 12 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his last season there.
He could be an immediate starter plugged in next to Hutchinson, providing additional help getting to the quarterback and creating legitimate depth at the position that, right now, stands as a room with a troubling lack of power.
Lions could steal major defensive X-factor in latest mock draft
Edholm wrote of Jacas and this pick:
"Jacas is a high-energy tone-setter who’s regarded as a great leader and locker-room presence. Both are traits the Lions look for, and they’re always hunting quality edge help."
It's true that the Lions love high-character picks, and Jacas fits that bill to a tee. But, it's also a nice pick simply because he'd be injecting youth to a defensive line that's battled through injuries the last few years.
You can assume that, perhaps, Alim McNeill may not have the same pop as before. Additionally, the potential loss of D.J. Reader to free agency as well as the actual loss of Al-Quadin Muhammad makes that gap along the line loom even larger.
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NFL Mocks site contributor added to the love for Jacas' game in a recent profile of the edge, saying:
"...the pass rush prowess is simply too impactful to ignore, and his frame offers him the opportunity to grow into his run defense skillset. All in all, Jacas should get taken early to bolster a team’s defensive front, and he should be a solid piece in the NFL for an extended time."
If Detroit is really zeroing in on a tackle with their 17th overall selection - which seems to be the consensus right now - then Jacas isn't a terrible consolation prize for remaining patient in their search for a legitimate pass rushing addition to their defensive front.