Matt Gulbin, Ryan Eckley picked from Michigan State in NFL Draft

Michigan State fans had to wait until Saturday's closing rounds of the NFL Draft to hear a Spartan's name called, but both of the program's top prospects went in close succession in the sixth round.

Matt Gulbin, center, went 209th overall to the Washington Commanders while punter Ryan Eckley followed at 211th to the Baltimore Ravens. They became the 324th and 325th players selected from Michigan State in NFL Draft history.

Michigan State's Ryan Eckley punts the ball during a game against Penn State on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Ford Field in Detroit.

Gulbin finished the season rated as one of the best centers in Division I according to Pro Football Focus, whose ratings informed the Rimington Trophy that went to Iowa’s Logan Jones, who was picked 57th overall to Chicago on Friday. His 760 offensive snaps led all Spartans, though he missed the season — and Jonathan Smith era — finale against Maryland at Ford Field.

Gulbin, who is from Wilton, Conn., came to Michigan State by way of Wake Forest, where he played for Nick Tabacca —funny enoughm Tabacca is now with the Spartans as Pat Fitzgerald’s offensive line coach. At Michigan State, Gulbin played his first full season at center, which he thought of as his natural position given his 6-foot-4 frame.

More: Deep bonds and big hits: How MSU's Matt Gulbin became one of nation’s best centers

Under Tabacca’s predecessor Jim Michalczik, Gulbin is the second offensive lineman from Michigan State to be drafted to the NFL — Luke Newman went 195th overall to the last season and played in 10 games, one in the playoffs. Gulbin is the 80th offensive lineman drafted out of Michigan State in , the most of any position.