Patriots new EDGE Gabe Jacas models game after former fan-favorite

For Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas, there's one player that he looks to model his game after, and it just so happens to be a former fan-favorite from New England.

In his pre-draft scouting report, NFL.com had Jacas' player comparison listed as Matthew Judon, and the new Patriots edge completely agreed.

“There’s so many similarities to my game and his and I can’t wait to just continue to get better,” Jacas told reporters on a video call after being drafted. “To continue to be a pristine edge rusher. That’s someone I can model my game after... speed and power guy. Able to use his hands well. Able to work edge moves and power moves."

It also helps that Judon worked with Joe Kim, who was one of Jacas' coaches at Illinois. And with that, Kim showed him a lot of film as well as teaching him many of the skills that Judon utilizes in his game.

“Joe Kim is one of the best in the business at that,” Jacas said. “One thing that he always brought to the room was just being able to use your hands effectively and staying on your track line, staying close to the fight. Attacking the tackle, don’t go around him, don’t go away from him. Stay on your track and go right through him."

He added that he's so thankful Kim "developed me into the pass rusher that I am now," adding that after his pre-draft visit with the Patriots, the pass rush coach told him, "‘Yeah, you’re a Patriot.’”

And New England made sure that it came true as they traded up, selecting him with the 55th overall pick.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and .