With the month of March officially here, all 32 NFL franchises are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft. The scouting combine is officially in the rearview mirror, which means that teams have some additional clarity about what the 2026 draft class could look like and, more specifically, what to expect in terms of the interior offensive line class.
For the Chicago Bears, this year's draft will represent a significant opportunity to continue adding to the foundation that was established during the first year of the Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles era. In what was expected to be an offseason where the Bears would focus heavily on defense, the retirement of center Drew Dalman means the Bears front office could turn to next month's draft to find a long-term replacement.
Michigan State center Matt Gulbin is a name that could intrigue the Bears with the team's fourth or fifth-round selection. Let's get into our scouting report on Gulbin.
Matt Gulbin, Michigan State, (6-foot-4, 305 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Three-year starter with average size and good power. Gulbin is better at climbing to linebackers than he is at moving laterally to seal in the run game. He can be outreached at the point, but he stays tight to his block to reduce length disadvantages. He excels when washing away targets on inside-zone plays with strong leg drive. He anchors well in protection, but he must stay square and be more alert to loopers on twists. Short arms reduce his margin for error but his consistent body of work suggests he has a chance to make a roster as a center who can swing to guard in a pinch."
Film:
Strengths:
- High football IQ as a run blocker and pass protector.
- Has NFL-ready size to play the center position and be a force from day one.
- Understands how to take angles in the run game and to seal off open lanes for defenders.
- Powerful at the point of attack and has the ability to move defenders off the ball.
- Natural strength allows him to punch defenders, redirecting them in the process.
- Polished run blocker and pass protector who is only getting better in both areas of his game.
- Totaled 22 starts in college at left and right guard before enrolling at Michigan State and switching to center.
Weaknesses:
- Has only one year of starting experience as a center, the 2025 season.
- Needs to improve his command of the offensive line, especially when trying to identify blitzers.
- Shorter arm length could force him to play slower against NFL competition.
- Plays with high pad level in pass protection. This is an area of his game that will need some refinement as he works toward taking another step forward.
- Limited athleticism could force him to spend a year on the bench as a developmental prospect.
Does Gulbin fit the Bears offense?
Compared to some of the other interior offensive linemen in this year's draft, Gulbin is a solid and experienced player who should draw the Bears attention. Throughout the Poles era, the Bears have prioritized versatility when drafting offensive linemen, and Gulbin's ability to play both guard spots and center make him an interesting prospect.
He isn't the most athletic player on the planet, but as a polished pass protector and run blocker, he could find himself playing a valuable role on offense. Gulbin overcomes his natural athleticism by winning with a combination of power and strength on every rep.
Conclusion:
Gulbin's starting experience, combined with his ability to play all over the interior of the offensive line make him a prospect who will hear his name called and ultimately, the type of player who will be a multi-year starter. There is some growth that will need to take place as he continues to realize his true potential, but he is an interesting prospect to watch as teams could view him as a hidden gem.
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