Patriots second-round pick Gabe Jacas addressed the media for the first time in training camp Tuesday after waiting out a long offseason, during which he had a clean-up procedure on his left knee and was caught in prolonged negotiations over his rookie contract.
“All that stuff is behind me. I’m 100%. Whenever they tell me I’m good to go, I’m good to go,” Jacas said.
The edge rusher could be a critical piece of New England’s defense if he can catch up to his peers. He’s gotten run with backup quarterback Tommy DeVito’s squad over the last two days in 11-on-11 competitive team periods.
“He’s working hard,” head coach Mike Vrabel said before Tuesday’s practice. “I think he’s into it. He’s trying to learn, he’s focused. A lot of these things are new for him, and I think he has done a good job of controlling what he can control. I see him in there meeting with Smitty [Mike Smith] a lot – and again, there’s a return to play.”
Jacas is clearly eager to put his awkward start to the offseason program in the rearview mirror, and said he worked out through the spring and studied the playbook, so he feels he’s “not far” behind his teammates. One big learning curve may come in special teams. Vrabel worked with Jacas through a practice period Monday, with long snapper Julian Ashby helping out.
“Vrabel is a very hands-on coach and I’m just appreciative that he could just take me to the side and teach me a couple techniques, just to be a better punt protector, so I can be better for the team,” Jacas said.
The 22-year-old linebacker strikes an impressive figure on the field, standing 6-foot-4 and over 250 pounds. The Patriots traded two picks to the Los Angeles Chargers to grab Jacas with the 55th pick, but not long after the draft, Vrabel announced that he underwent a procedure on his knee. He was the last second round draft pick to sign his rookie contract, which contains unique language regarding injuries.
The Patriots would benefit immensely from Jacas being healthy and ready to rock in September. Their current outside linebacker group is headed up by Dre’Mont Jones. The lead sack collector from last season, Harold Landry III, remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Jacas said he doesn’t anticipate his knee to be a lingering problem in future seasons.
“The knee is good. I’m out here now, so that’s all I can say,” he said.
