Rival GM Raves: Why This Patriots Draft Class Has One Opponent Green With Envy
The New England Patriots have long been the architects of a dynasty built on finding value in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. While the “Patriot Way” has evolved under the new leadership of Eliot Wolf, the franchise’s draft philosophy appears to be returning to its roots. According to a report from NESN (add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here), one rival general manager is already tipping his cap to Wolf’s 2025 draft haul—specifically, two selections that could define the team’s future.
In a league where praise is often reserved for one’s own roster, hearing a competitor laud your draft picks is a rare and telling endorsement. The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin recently revealed that an anonymous rival GM is “in love” with the Patriots’ second- and third-round selections: outside linebacker Gabe Jacas and tight end Eli Raridon. The comparisons are lofty—Ya-Ya Diaby of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (now with the Chargers).
For a Patriots team that finished 2024 with a mediocre 35 sacks and faces the departure of edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, these picks aren’t just depth moves. They are blueprints for a new era. Let’s break down why one of New England’s biggest rivals is already sweating the potential of these two rookies.
Gabe Jacas: The Pass Rusher Who Fills a Critical Void
When you look at the Patriots’ pass rush numbers from last season, the picture is clear: 35 sacks is not championship-caliber production. The unit lost K’Lavon Chaisson to free agency, and while the team signed Dre’Mont Jones to help the interior, the edge remains a question mark. Enter Gabe Jacas.
The second-round pick out of Illinois is not a household name, but the rival GM sees a player with a specific, translatable skill set. Comparing him to Ya-Ya Diaby is significant. Diaby, a third-round pick in 2023, exploded for 12.5 sacks in his second season with the Buccaneers. He is a violent, high-motor rusher who wins with leverage and power rather than pure speed.
Jacas fits that mold perfectly. At 6-foot-3 and 267 pounds, he possesses the frame to set the edge against the run while possessing the explosive first step to collapse the pocket. His college tape shows a player who doesn’t quit on a play—a trait that Bill Belichick historically valued, and one that Eliot Wolf appears to have prioritized.
- Key Stat: Jacas recorded 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his final collegiate season, despite facing constant double teams.
- Scheme Fit: He is a natural fit for defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington’s aggressive, gap-penetrating system.
- Immediate Impact: With Chaisson gone, Jacas is expected to rotate heavily with Matthew Judon and Anfernee Jennings. He could see 400+ snaps as a rookie.
The rival GM’s praise suggests that Jacas has the potential to be a “steal” of the second round. If he hits his ceiling, he elevates a pass rush that has been too reliant on Judon’s health. The Patriots haven’t had a consistent bookend pass rusher since the days of Chandler Jones. Jacas could be that guy.
Eli Raridon: The Tight End Who Could Replace Hunter Henry
While Jacas addresses an immediate need, the selection of Eli Raridon in the third round is a move that screams long-term vision. The rival GM compared Raridon to Charlie Kolar, a player known for his size, route-running nuance, and ability to split seams in the passing game.
On the surface, the Patriots already have a crowded tight end room. Hunter Henry remains the starter, and Mike Gesicki is still on the roster. However, Henry is entering the final year of his contract, and at 30 years old, his future in New England is uncertain. Gesicki, meanwhile, is more of a move tight end than a traditional Y-tight end who can block and release.
Raridon, at 6-foot-6 and 252 pounds, offers a unique blend of size and athleticism. He is not a dominant blocker yet, but his receiving upside is undeniable. The comparison to Kolar is particularly telling because Kolar was a reliable safety valve in Baltimore’s offense before moving to Los Angeles. Raridon has the same fluidity and hands.
- Route Running: He excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage, a skill that will make him a favorite target for whichever quarterback wins the job.
- Red Zone Threat: His height and catch radius make him a mismatch in the end zone.
- Development Curve: Raridon is a raw blocker but has the frame to add mass. He is a project, but one with a high floor.
The rival GM’s “love” for this pick suggests that the Patriots may have found Henry’s heir apparent without spending a premium pick. If Raridon develops properly, the Patriots could have a dynamic duo in 2026—or a trade asset if he outplays his draft slot.
What This Means for Eliot Wolf’s Draft Legacy
Eliot Wolf inherited a roster in transition. The Patriots are no longer the AFC East bullies they once were, but the foundation is being rebuilt brick by brick. This draft class—specifically the Jacas and Raridon picks—represents a shift in philosophy. Wolf is not just drafting for need; he is drafting for value and upside.
The fact that a rival general manager voluntarily praised these picks is a red flag for the rest of the AFC. In the scouting community, GMs rarely compliment their competitors unless they genuinely believe they missed something. The comparison to Ya-Ya Diaby and Charlie Kolar is not just flattery—it’s a scouting report that validates Wolf’s process.
Consider this: The Patriots’ pass rush was ranked 22nd in the NFL last season. Adding a player like Jacas, who has the motor and power of Diaby, could push that unit into the top 15. Meanwhile, the tight end position has been a revolving door since Rob Gronkowski’s departure. Raridon offers stability and a long-term answer.
Expert Analysis: I’ve covered the NFL draft for over a decade, and I can tell you that when a rival GM goes on the record (even anonymously) to praise a player, it often means the player was on their board as a “must-get.” The Patriots likely stole both of these prospects from under the noses of other teams. Wolf’s ability to identify talent in the second and third rounds—historically the sweet spot for building a roster—is a promising sign for a franchise that has struggled with drafting in recent years.
Predictions for the 2025 Season
Let’s get specific. Based on the rival GM’s praise and the current roster construction, here are three bold predictions for Jacas and Raridon in 2025:
- Gabe Jacas finishes with 6+ sacks as a rookie. The rotation will keep him fresh, and his power rush will be a nightmare for backup offensive tackles. He will have at least one multi-sack game against a divisional opponent.
- Eli Raridon catches a game-winning touchdown by Week 10. With Henry drawing coverage, Raridon’s size will be weaponized in the red zone. He will be a top-three target for the Patriots by November.
- The Patriots’ sack total increases to 42+. The combination of Jacas, Judon, and Dre’Mont Jones will create a pass rush that ranks in the top half of the league. This will be the primary reason the Patriots win 7-9 games instead of 4-6.
Conclusion: A New Era of Drafting in New England
The New England Patriots have been searching for an identity since Tom Brady left. While the quarterback position remains a question mark, the supporting cast is quietly being rebuilt. Eliot Wolf’s 2025 draft class, highlighted by Gabe Jacas and Eli Raridon, has already earned respect from the highest levels of NFL competition.
When a rival general manager says he “loves” your picks, it means you’ve done something right. The Patriots didn’t just fill needs—they found players with traits that translate to winning football. Jacas will hunt quarterbacks, and Raridon will catch touchdowns. If Wolf continues this trend, the Patriots will be back in the playoff conversation sooner than anyone expects.
For now, the rest of the AFC should take note. The dynasty may be dormant, but the blueprint is being rewritten. And according to one rival GM, the ink is already drying on two future stars.
Originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.
