The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
Green Bay’s Week 1 starting offensive line of the 2025 season consisted of Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom. When the Packers open the 2026 season, the offensive line could look quite different. Walker and Rhyan will hit free agency this offseason and Jenkins could be a cap casualty.
It seems very unlikely that Walker will be back in Green Bay. The door is still open for Rhyan to earn a second contract and could be the team’s starting center if they manage to re-sign the former third-round pick. Maybe, by some magical Russ Ball wizardry, the Packers are able to restructure the contract for Jenkins and the former second-round pick stays in Green Bay.
Regardless of what happens, Brian Gutekunst will likely look to bolster the depth of the offensive line during the 2026 NFL Draft. A potential Day 3 target is Michigan State’s Matt Gulbin.
A transfer from Wake Forest, Gulbin was voted a team captain during his lone season with the Spartans and started 11 games at center. During his time at Wake Forest, Gulbin started 11 games at both guard spots and one game at center.
“Matt Gulbin meant a lot to the Spartans, despite being ‘one-and-done’ with his eligibility,” Emmett Matasovsky, the editor for Spartan Shadows, said. “He was the leader of the offensive line group, being named team captain for the 2025 season. Gulbin knew the culture that former coach Jonathan Smith and offensive line coach Jim Michalczik wanted to bring, and he was a tone-setter for the group.”
Gulbin is football-savvy. He’s a leader and a great communicator. The Wake Forest transfer is going to impress teams during the interview process.
With his football acumen, Gulbin is alert in protection and keeps his head on a swivel. He has adequate quickness and the foot speed to mirror. He plays with aggressive hands and gets them into defenders before they can attack his chest. During his lone season at Michigan State, Gulbin gave up two sacks and five pressures.
“Gulbin rarely got beat, and when he did, he showcased an ability to recover and re-attach to his man,” Matasovsky said. “This led to his pressure rate being the second lowest among all Big Ten centers during the season, despite the Spartans playing from behind in obvious passing situations for most of conference play.”
As a run blocker, Gulbin works hard to stay engaged and keeps his feet moving at contact to sustain. He has a rugged play style and has strong hands to control his man when he latches on. The Wake Forest transfer is comfortable on his feet and doesn’t labor climbing to the second level.
“His style can be described as a mauler,” Matasovsky said. “Gulbin utilizes his strength well and is good at clearing out run lanes.”
Fit with the Packers
Gulbin has experience starting at both guard spots, center and has taken snaps at right tackle. With his versatility, football IQ and strength, he could be an ideal target for the Packers as they look to bolster the depth of their offensive line.
“He excels in both the run and pass game, provides versatility after spending time at Wake Forest as a guard and nearly 100 snaps at right tackle, and has consistent leadership and accountability,” Matasovsky said. “Flip on his film and see a mauler that dominates in the pass game.”
With the Packers possibly having an opening at center, it would not be shocking to see Gulbin step in on day one and become the team’s starting center as a rookie. Even if he didn’t earn the starting role immediately, he’d provide quality depth across the interior.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 92, Michigan State C Matt Gulbin
Reporting by Brennen Rupp, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
