Gumbs: Packers' Late-Round Edge Rusher Gem

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is NFL News Today, subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. The Green Bay Packers face a thin edge Russian group after General Manager Brian Guterkunst traded Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys for a 20. 27th fourth round pick and Kingsley Enigbarre signed with the New York Jets. Guterkunst has selected six edge rushers since taking over in 2018, including four on day three of the draft. Now, with depth the priority, he's eyeing Florida defensive end George Gums Jr. as a potential late round gem, ranked number 39 on the unpacking future Packers countdown. Gums, a Chicago native, began college in Northern Illinois playing tight end for two seasons before switching to defensive end in 20, 23. He quickly adapted, posting solid numbers there with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. At Florida over two years, he added 8 tackles for loss and 5 sacks in his first season.

1:02Then 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this past year. Scouts love Gums' explosive athleticism, highlighted by his 41-inch vertical jump at the NFL scouting combine, the second highest ever for defensive ends. He brings a quick first step, strong pursuit speed, and relentless motor against both the pass and run, using long arms to stay clean from blockers. His high effort stands out, especially as a smaller frame player who improves steadily in run defense. For the Packers, Gums offers immediate special teams value with hundreds of college snaps in those roles, plus upside as a rotational pass rusher. His position switch shows quick learning and growth potential, making him a rare day three, three fine who could contribute on all three downs while the team rebuilds its front. As the drapt approaches, Gums represents the kind of high motor athlete Gudakun's targets to inject speed and depth into Green Bay's defense.