The Buffalo Bills are expected to be aggressive on the defensive front in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Buffalo has overhauled its defense this offseason and will be switching to a 3-4 scheme. An area of need for the Bills is pass rushers and getting after the quarterback, as that has been an issue for the team during the playoffs.
With the NFL Draft just days away, Bills insider Ryan Talbot reported that Buffalo is showing plenty of interest in Florida Gators edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. The interest has included a visit and a Zoom meeting.
“Per a league source, the Bills have shown plenty of interest in Florida EDGE George Gumbs Jr. The team hosted Gumbs on a top-30 visit and held a Zoom with the former Gator. He’s also met with Bobby April III during the pre-draft process,” Talbot wrote on X.
Gumbs began his college career at NIU before transferring to Florida for two years. The 6-foot-4 pass rusher is more of a developmental player and rotational pass rusher. Last season, he recorded just 31 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
However, Gumbs has some tools to build on as he could look to contribute on special teams.
George Gumbs Jr. Draft Profile
Gumbs is a bit undersized for an edge rusher, but he still has the talent to make an impact in the NFL.
The former Gators edge rusher is predicted to be a Day 3 pick and likely will be selected in the fifth round. NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes Gumbs is willing to do the dirty work and is very agile to get around offensive linemen.
However, Gumbs is new to being a pass rusher, as he entered college as a tight end. So there are plenty of things he needs to work on.
“Late bloomer with work to do to convert potential into production,” Zierlein wrote. “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.
“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.”
Gumbs recorded 100 tackles, 11 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in his three years as an edge rusher in college.
Bills Uncertain on NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft isn’t considered to be as strong as years past. But the middle of the draft could be the strength.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane admitted he has heard from agents that believe their players could go anywhere from 20 to 40. With that, Beane admits that it makes projecting who could be available at 26 very hard.
“I feel like I’ll know a little more before we get to Thursday,” Beane said. “But sitting here today, it’s clear as mud.”
The Bills have seven total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bills Reportedly Showing ‘Plenty of Interest’ in Intriguing SEC Pass Rusher