Michigan State OL Matt Gulbin picked by Commanders in Round 6 of NFL Draft

TL;DR

Matt Gulbin, an offensive lineman from Michigan State, was selected by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round of the NFL Draft with the 209th overall pick. His transfer from Wake Forest to Michigan State played a crucial role in his draft success.

Key points

Matt Gulbin was picked by the Washington Commanders
He was selected in the sixth round, 209th overall
Gulbin transferred from Wake Forest to Michigan State
He is the second one-year transfer offensive lineman drafted under Jonathan Smith
Last year, Luke Newman was also drafted in the sixth round

Mentioned in this story

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Matt GulbinLuke Newman

Michigan State OL Matt Gulbin picked by Commanders in Round 6 of NFL Draft

Matt Gulbin’s one year with Michigan State football proved pivotal in getting drafted into the NFL.

The offensive lineman, who arrived from Wake Forest before the 2025 season, was selected by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round Saturday, April 25, with the No. 209 overall pick.

Gulbin is the Spartans’ second one-year transfer portal offensive line addition by former coach Jonathan Smith to get picked in the past two seasons. Last year, Luke Newman, a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, native and Brother Rice High graduate, went to the Chicago Bears in the sixth round with the No. 195 overall pick after spending his first four seasons at Holy Cross of the Football Championship Subdivision.

MORE: 11 players from Michigan's college programs could be drafted in 2026

The 6-foot-4, 312-pound Gulbin made a significant impact in his one season in East Lansing, getting named a team captain before earning All-Big Ten honorable mention while starting the first 11 games at center before missing the finale against Maryland. graded the Connecticut native as the No. 1 Power 4 center (82.6) by and No. 2 overall in the Football Bowl Subdivision, thanks in part to being rated No. 2 in run blocking (81.9) and No. 5 in pass blocking (87.8).

Q&A

What round was Matt Gulbin drafted in the NFL Draft?

Matt Gulbin was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.

Which team selected Matt Gulbin in the NFL Draft?

Matt Gulbin was selected by the Washington Commanders.

How did Matt Gulbin's transfer to Michigan State impact his NFL Draft prospects?

Matt Gulbin's one year at Michigan State was pivotal in enhancing his visibility and prospects for the NFL Draft.