March 20, 2026, 4:22 p.m. CT

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.

Since taking over as general manager of the Green Bay Packers in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has drafted six edge rushers, with four of those picks being Day 3 selections. 

The Packers traded Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 fourth-round pick and Kingsley Enagbare signed with the New York Jets.

With the Packers in need of depth at the position, Gutekunst could once again use a Day 3 pick on an edge rusher, with a potential target being George Gumbs Jr. The Florida Gators prospect checks in at No. 39 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A Chicago native, Gumbs started his collegiate career at Northern Illinois, where he played tight end during his first two seasons. He made the switch to defensive end in 2023 and responded with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

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During his first season at Florida, Gumbs recorded eight tackles for loss and five sacks. In nine games this past season, he recorded 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

“Gumbs fit like a glove in Florida’s defense, becoming one of the Gators’ more effective players over his two-year stint with the program,” Max Bernstein, a reporter for The Alligator, said. “He firmly established himself in UF’s pass-rushing rotation while being a leader not only in his position group, but for the defensive unit as a whole.”

Gumbs has a quick first step and accelerates with strong strides to build up speed to challenge the edge. He’s not exactly twitchy, but he has an explosive lower half and has a bounce in his step. His 41-inch vertical at the NFL Scouting Combine is the second-highest mark among defensive ends in combine history. He closes on the quarterback with burst. He gives a good second and third effort to chase down the quarterback if he escapes the pocket.

“Gumbs is an explosive athlete, showcased by his 41-inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine,” Bernstein said. “With that unique athletic skill, Gumbs can freeze blockers before surprising them with his strong hands. Further, Gumbs has a strong motor and never gives up on a play, allowing him to record clean-up sacks and tackles.”

Gumbs throws his body around against the run. He’s not afraid to slam into oncoming blockers. He uses his arms (nearly 34 inches) to lock out and keep himself clean. The Northern Illinois transfer is a high-effort player with the pursuit speed to chase down running backs as a backside defender.

“Gumbs steadily improved as a run defender during his UF career, despite his smaller frame,” Bernstein said. “His football IQ helps him set the edge effectively, allowing him to snuff out designed runs and make plays on ball carriers. Despite his size, Gumbs is an involved run defender who can make an impact on all three downs.”

During his college career, Gumbs logged 372 snaps on special teams. Given his athleticism and motor, Gumbs could quickly turn into a core special teams player.

Fit with the Packers

Micah Parsons will likely miss the beginning of the season as the star pass rusher rehabs from a torn ACL. That would leave the Packers with Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver and Brenton Cox Jr to hold down the fort until Parsons returns.

Even if Parsons were healthy, a team can never have enough pass rushers on the roster. Gumbs is relatively new to the position and owns the tools to develop into a potential starter or solid third option.

“Gumbs has constantly grown as a player throughout his career, going from a depth tight end to an effective pass rusher,” Bernstein said. “He is an explosive athlete who showcases elite effort on every play. His hard-working nature made him a favorite of the coaching staff and earned him plenty of playing time. On Day 3, grabbing a player who can defend the run, rush the passer and be a core special teamer is rare, but Gumbs has that ability.”

With his athleticism, motor and special teams experience, Gumbs could be an ideal target on Day 3 of the draft. Once he develops a more detailed pass rush plan, he could turn into a solid starter opposite Parsons or turn into a quality rotational edge rusher.