While draft analysts are largely singing the praises of the Indianapolis Colts' 2026 NFL draft class, there's always one pick that raises an eyebrow. CBS Sports' Josh Edwards took a closer look, identifying the most "questionable" selection for each team—and for the Colts, that honor goes to Florida defensive end George Gumbs Jr., picked in the fifth round.
"The Colts accomplished a lot without a first-round pick," Edwards noted. "They found good players at positions of need, such as safety, guard, and linebacker. There is a functional role and clear vision for each of the players added on Day 3, even Gumbs, but it was earlier than expected."
Here's where it gets interesting: the Colts snagged Gumbs at 156th overall, while the consensus board had him ranked 235th. That's a significant jump, but in the world of Day 3 picks, taking a flier on a high-upside pass rusher isn't exactly a swing and a miss—it's more like a calculated gamble. If the biggest critique is that they reached a bit, it's actually a testament to how strong the rest of their draft class looks.
So, what's the deal with Gumbs? Over 136 pass rush snaps last season, he generated 13 pressures and three sacks. The year before, he logged 26 pressures and five sacks across 188 snaps. He's been efficient with his opportunities and has shown a willingness to defend the run—a solid foundation for a developing edge rusher.
But here's the real story: Gumbs started his college career at Northern Illinois as a wide receiver. That's right—he's still relatively new to the pass-rushing position. That means there's plenty of room for growth, and the Colts are banking on his athleticism to translate into something special.
"We think this kid's got some upside," Colts GM Chris Ballard said. "He's a tremendous athlete. Thinking helps us on teams. Think we can develop him kind of as an outside backer rusher."
For now, Gumbs may need to refine his technique, and his early contributions could come more on special teams. But with a little patience and the right coaching, the Colts believe they've found a diamond in the rough. In a draft class that's already earning high marks, that's a storyline worth watching.
