Getty

New Indianapolis Colts George Gumbs Jr

The Indianapolis Colts have added a pass rusher to their defensive roster in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Indy has drafted Florida EDGE rusher George Gumbs Jr. with the 156th overall pick. The tight end-turned-defensive end has had his collegiate career since switching positions.

Gumbs Jr. didn’t have much opportunity to play tight end at Northern Illinois (recording just 4 catches his first two seasons), but was a standout pass rusher, recording 3.5 sacks his first season at the position. Then, transferring to Florida, the defender reached a new height, recording 5 sacks and 35 total tackles (8 for loss) in his first season with the team.

The pass rusher had regressed in the 2025 season, taking opposing quarterbacks down just 2.5 times in his final collegiate season. Gumbs Jr. exhibited his talent and it was enough for him to be taken in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The main issue with George Gumbs Jr. is that he is recovering from a meniscus repair, which sidelined him late in the 2025 season. But with Indy taking him, it appears to be a non-issue.

Analyst Take On George Gumbs Jr

GettyColts have addressed their need for a pass rusher in the fourth round of the draft

George Gumbs Jr. still doesn’t have much experience as a defender, but NFL analyst Lance Zierlein believes that shouldn’t be an issue with more experience.

“Late bloomer with work to do to convert potential into production. Gumbs’ attitude and work ethic have propelled him through multiple position changes (WR/TE/Edge) and a successful leap from Northern Illinois to Florida. Everything he does as a run defender and pass rusher should improve with additional technique work,” Zierlein wrote.

“He’s tough and competitive versus the run, but the ceiling might be average. As a rusher, he’s collected a catalog of openers and counters but is still working on their setup and execution to get to quarterbacks. He has an eventual-starter ceiling with an average-backup floor, but his traits and mentality make him worthy of a Day 3 pick.”

Multiple Colt EDGE rushers left the organization and found new teams in the latest free agency, Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam, and need to address the position through the draft with some young, quality talent.

George Gumbs Jr. appears to fit the mold that the Indianapolis Colts defense was looking for in this year’s draft class.

Colts Addressed Pass Rusher Group

GettyThe Colts added multiple defensive linemen in free agency

The majority of the focus on the Indianapolis Colts was on Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, who both returned to the team on two-year and four-year contracts, respectively.

But the Colts made some under-the-radar moves in free agency, including bringing in Arden Key and Michael Clemons to take down the quarterback off the EDGE.

Indy GM Chris Ballard noted the defensive front seven as a priority in the offseason. With the newest additions to the group through the draft, such as George Gumbs Jr., the defensive squad appears ready for a strong 2026 season.