The Washington Commanders didn't have much draft capital, especially at the top end. General manager Adam Peters had to use his choices wisely, and he got a pretty good return with the six picks at his disposal.
Some will be tasked with more immediate responsibilities than others. Some are development projects with the chance to carve out important roles for themselves over time. The hype mainly centered on first-round linebacker Sonny Styles, but Washington's front-office leader managed to secure decent value a little further down the board as well.
And there is one unheralded draft pick who could be a big surprise that almost nobody sees coming.
Commanders may have found a Day 3 starter in center Matt Gulbin
The Commanders took a big risk earlier this offseason by releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz. Peters hasn't — and probably won't — fully discussed the reasons behind the surprising move, but the concerns among the fan base were there for all to see.
Aside from giving Nick Allegretti a new deal ahead of time, the Commanders resisted the temptation to find another center in free agency. Peters went in different directions over his opening four choices in the draft. Fans were starting to wonder if another option would ever be acquired.
They needn't have worried.
The Commanders picked Matt Gulbin with the No. 209 overall selection, acquired by trading running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers last year. While the Michigan State product is not going to blow you away with high-level traits, his college production offers reasons for encouragement, and he seems to fit what David Blough is looking for from a blocking standpoint.
According to Pro Football Focus, Gulbin allowed only five pressures in 426 pass-blocking snaps with the Spartans last season. Only one center player has more snaps and allows fewer pressures. If that wasn't enough, PFF also graded him as the top run blocker for all centers.
Couple this with his improving communication and leadership, and it's not hard to see why the Commanders were intrigued. And if everything goes well during his transition, Gulbin has a legitimate chance to compete with Allegretti for the starting center job this summer.
Allegretti remains the favorite. He's got experience, and he played well when filling in for Biadasz late in the season. Head coach Dan Quinn will also give Brandon Coleman a chance, but Gulbin's arrival makes that less likely.
Expecting miracles from Gulbin right out of the gate is setting the player up to fail. But if the incoming rookie can pick things up quickly, the Commanders might just be onto something here.
If nothing else, it makes for a fascinating dynamic over the summer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google