Matt Gulbin Did Something Almost Nobody in College Football Ever Does, and Now He's an NFL Draft Pick

Wilton's Matt Gulbin just made history in a way that most football fans will never appreciate, but offensive line coaches absolutely will. The versatile lineman was selected by the Washington Commanders in the 6th round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and here's what makes him different from every other offensive lineman in this draft class: Gulbin is the only player selected who started 10 or more games at all three interior offensive line positions in college.

Think about that for a second. In an era where scouts want specialists and coaches want guys who know their lane, Gulbin went the opposite direction and mastered center, guard, and tackle from the inside out. That's the kind of versatility that wins football games when injuries hit or when a coaching staff needs to shift bodies around the line. The Commanders clearly saw the value in that kind of flexibility.

A Rare Skill Set in Modern Football

Playing three different positions well is not a casual accomplishment. It means Gulbin understands footwork, angles, and gap assignments from multiple perspectives. It means he's smart enough to adjust to different snap counts, different responsibilities, and different communication systems depending on where he lines up. That's not just talent, that's intelligence and adaptability.

For a team like Washington that just hired a new coaching staff and is rebuilding their offensive line, that kind of Swiss Army knife capability could prove invaluable. Whether it's stepping in at center when there's a gap, sliding to guard in a pinch, or anchoring the interior, Gulbin has proven he can handle the assignment.

What's Next for Gulbin

The Commanders are betting that a player who can play multiple positions at a high level in college can transition to the NFL and compete at one of those spots professionally. It's a calculated risk with a guy who has already shown he's willing to do whatever his team needs.

For Gulbin, the real work starts now. College versatility doesn't automatically translate to NFL snaps, but the fact that Washington invested a 6th round pick on a Wilton product says they see something worth developing. That's how late round picks turn into solid depth pieces or surprise contributors.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.