The Chicago Bears are trying to find the right prospects that fit what they need on the roster, but one is right in their backyard that is becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
One local prospect to keep in mind is Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas, who had his first workout for NFL team this offseason after missing the Pro Day and Combine with a hamstring injury. The Athletic's Dane Brugler reported that Jacas ran a 4.69 40-yard dash and a 1.59 10-yard run.
Jacas had quite the career at Illinois as he was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last year, a third-team All-American and All-Big Ten selection in 2024, and was a freshman All-American in 2022. He finished last season with career-highs in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (11).
Bears don't need to look far to find their next great edge rusher in the draft
Currently, Jacas is projected to be a second round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The fast time that the 260-pound edge rusher put up at his workout should help in solidifying that spot.
Chicago currently has Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, and Dayo Odeyingbo as their top edge rushers. Odeyingbo had a rough season, with one sack in half a season before an injury knocked him out for the second half of the year. Booker shows promise, and the Bears still have belief in him.
All indications with mock drafts show that the Bears could potentially go defensive tackle in the first round. After that, edge rusher has been the next option in the second round, as they have two picks in that round.
Read more: Draft prospect confirms visit Bears fans are all on board with team selecting
If Chicago has a chance to keep Jacas in Illinois, it might be a good option for them to pursue.