Editor’s note: Everyone’s excited about the Commanders’ NFL Draft haul. Rightfully so. That doesn’t mean each selection will slot into a prominent role as a rookie. We’ll discuss realistic expectations for each player over the next few days, leading into Commanders rookie minicamp. In this installment, we evaluate a tough-as-nails interior lineman from Michigan State:
C Matt Gulbin, Michigan State
Selection: Sixth round, No. 209 overall
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 305 pounds
What assistant GM Lance Newmark said: “He played center this
year for Michigan State after transferring from Wake Forest, where he had played guard. So, he has some utility on the inside that he demonstrated in college. We just like the way he plays the game. He’s a physical, find-a-way-to-get-it-done, nasty guy who has grit and toughness to everything he does. He’s a guy we feel plays the game like we want to play it.”
[RELATED: Why Commanders took Matt Gulbin in NFL Draft]
What Matt Gulbin said: “I feel comfortable in all three interior positions. Left guard, center, right guard. I think I’ve been able to succeed at all three of those spots because of my football knowledge and how I go about my preparation. And my overall understanding of my job and what I need to get done.
“… “I think I bring a tenacity. I’m going to do my best to try to elevate the offensive line room and do whatever I can to get the Commanders winning and winning Super Bowls.”
Prominent members of the position group*: Nick Allegretti, Chris Paul, Sam Cosmi, Brandon Coleman, Andrew Wylie
*Note: Taken from Mark Tyler’s way-too-early 53-man depth chart
Perfect-world expectations: The Commanders will have a new starting center in 2026. Former Pro Bowler Tyler Biadasz started 31 games for Washington the past two seasons and provided quality work, but general manager Adam Peters chose to go in a different direction and released him. Nick Allegretti is the presumptive starter at this point, and signed an extension to remain with the club.
The Commanders are clearly looking for a long-term solution at an important position, hence the Gulbin selection. Gulbin was awesome at Michigan State and, in a best-case scenario, takes hold of the center spot right away. That’s far from mandatory, but he could assert himself and take hold of the center spot as the season progresses. That’s not likely, considering the cerebral nature of the position that is best captured by experience, but it’s possible.
[RELATED: Commanders select Matt Gublin in the 2026 NFL Draft]
Real-world expectations: It’s always interesting to see how versatile interior offensive linemen are categorized during the NFL draft. It offers sneaky insight into how a player might be used by the team that selects him. Gulbin was classified as a center on draft day. That’s where he played in 2025, and he was excellent at it. Peters has said he’ll play center in Washington, though he can be a backup at all three interior spots. While the Commanders are clearly looking for a long-term answer at center, there’s no rush to thrust him into the spotlight.
Actions speak louder than words, and the Allegretti extension and the Biadasz cut suggests confidence in the veteran option. Having Gulbin learn the offense at a slower pace is ideal, with him providing solid support in reserve at center and maybe guard in a pinch.
What are your expectations for Matt Gulbin in his rookie year? Add them in the comments below.
