The Green Bay Packers are going to have some significant work to do regarding their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season. This is particularly true on the offensive line, where multiple starters are expected to leave in free agency or be released due to salary cap purposes. Of the five offensive linemen who started for Green Bay in Week One, only two of them, Zach Tom and Aaron Banks, are going to return next season.
Sean Rhyan, who started at right guard, and Rasheed Walker, left tackle, are both hitting free agency. Neither is expected to be retained by the Packers. However, Green Bay has Anthony Belton as a possible replacement for Rhyan and Jordan Morgan ready to take over protecting Jordan Love‘s blindside.
Elgton Jenkins, the two-time Pro Bowl left guard who was moved to center, is expected to be released as a salary cap casualty, saving the Packers nearly $20 million. To replace him, though, Green Bay may have to look to the NFL Draft.
With that in mind, the following center prospect could be available to the Packers in the middle-to-later rounds of the 2026 draft.
Matt Gulbin of Michigan State could replace Elgton Jenkins on the Green Bay Packers
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) calls for a snap from offensive lineman Matt Gulbin (51) against Western Michigan during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, August 29, 2025.
The six-foot-four 312 pound Matt Gulbin is projected to be drafted anywhere between the third and fifth rounds in the 2026 NFL Draft. Taking him in one of these rounds, if available, would allow the Packers to focus on other needs (such as cornerback).
That being said, the idea of Gulbin being a target for Green Bay in the draft can be found in his scouting report from NFL Draft Buzz:
“The fit for Gulbin is clearly in an inside zone or gap-heavy running scheme where the center is asked to be physical at the point of attack rather than reach-block defensive tackles in space. His run-blocking profile is built on power, leverage, and an absolutely nasty finishing mentality.
“He will bury defenders when he gets his hands on them. In pass protection, his efficiency numbers were borderline untouchable in 2025, and while the competition level jumps significantly at the next level, the foundation of his pass-pro game (that instant anchor and reset ability) translates well. A team that runs a lot of duo, power, and inside zone will get the best version of Gulbin.”
As Packers are painfully aware, head coach Matt LaFleur, for some reason, loves to call inside runs on downs that do not normally call for it. Gulbin is great when it comes to blocking in these situations, and, in that light, would fit Green Bay’s system well.
He also is an exemplary pass blocker, which, of course, is needed.
This all being said, Gulbin’s first season at center was last year. There are still intricacies of the position that he needs to learn. Of course, this would be a downside to relying on him solely to replace Jenkins.
Brian Gutekunst, though, loves offensive linemen who can play multiple positions, and the fact that he has years of experience at guard, in addition to a year at center, is probably really appealing to the Packers.
At worst, he would be a solid depth piece at either guard position.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at@theotherRobin19 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!