Matt Gulbin, IOL
School: Michigan State | Conference: Big Ten
College Experience:
Height / Weight: 6’4”/ 305 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th round
Player Comparison: Luke Fortner
Player Overview
At his high school in Wilton, Connecticut, Matt Gulbin was a two-way player. Not only was he a standout offensive lineman, but he was also productive on the defensive line. His play led to several accolades and recognition as the No. 5 player player in the state. The three-star prospect had offers
from several schools including Pittsburgh, North Carolina, Boston College, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. Gulbin decided to become a Demon Deacon.
Gulbin redshirted his first year, but played a few snaps over four games. The next season, Gulbin played 53 snaps at left guard while contributing on special teams and being named to the All-ACC Academic Team. His third year is when he finally became a starter. He started 11 of 12 games at right guard for the Demon Deacons and was the fourth-highest graded guard in the ACC according to PFF. Gulbin would start all 12 games in his fourth year, 11 at left guard and one at center. He was named honorable mention All-ACC and PFF’s second-highest graded guard in the ACC.
After graduating from Wake Forest, Gulbin decided to transfer to Michigan State to play in a more traditional offense. Despite just arriving to Lansing, Gulbin was voted team captain and played every snap at center for the Spartans until a knee injury caused him to miss his last game. He was still named honorable mention All-Big Ten and PFF’s highest-graded center in the FBS.
Strengths
- Good size for an NFL center
- Hands are strong, latching on and controlling his defender
- Wide base helps him anchor and re-anchor against pass rushers
- Good awareness to find late blitzers and handle stunts
- Strong enough to hold the point of attack in the run game
- Works up to the second level easily
- Experience at all OL positions except left tackle
Weaknesses
- Can lose balance lunging into defenders rather than moving his feet
- Foot quickness is just adequate
- Hand placement can be inaccurate at times
- Awareness to pick up blitzers and stunts inconsistent
- Lacks flexibility and lateral agility
- Limited experience starting at center
Let’s See His Work
How He Fits on the Commanders
There is literally a hole in the middle of the Commanders offense. The team released last year’s starting center Tyler Biadasz without another viable center on the roster. It appears the plan would be for Nick Allegretti to start at center. He has limited experience at the position. There also is little depth behind Allegretti with Julian Good-Jones listed as he backup. All of this is risky for the team as it enters an important season. Changes may be made with the coaching staff and front office if the team cannot return to its winning ways.
Matt Gulbin’s attributes make him a player the Commanders should be eying on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Given his strength, he’s rock solid in pass protection. Keeping Jayden Daniels upright should be top priority for the team, and Gulbin should excel at that. That strength translates to the run game where a gap scheme would make the most of what he does best. He has enough athleticism to perform well in an inside zone scheme. Although he’s not the best athlete, there is tape of him having success in outside zone schemes. Given that he just recovered from a knee injury (that may have affected his athletic testing), making sure he is completely healthy is critical. If he is, the Commanders could add a Day 3 center prospect that could compete to start next season.
