Taking a page from a six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach isn’t the worst idea, and the Washington Commanders agree, based on the team following a “rule” of Bill Belichick’s to make a key pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Sixth-round pick center Matt Gulbin represents a precept of former New England Patriots boss Belichick. That’s according to JP Finlay of NBC4 Sports, who explained to Washington franchise legend Brian Mitchell on 106.7 The Fan’s “BMitch & Finlay” show, how “Bill Belichick, in the old Patriots days, had a rule (for) drafting offensive linemen. ‘I want big school guys that are durable.’ He (Gulbin) checks that box.”
Finaly went on to explain how former Michigan state standout Gulbin can defy being the 209th player drafted and actually “push” veteran Nick Allegretti for the starting job at center.
Mitchell, meanwhile, is less convinced. He thinks “Allegretti is comfortable for a year or two. I think the kid will be ready to step in.”
Whether or not Gulbin immediately becomes credible competition for Allegretti isn’t as important as what his selection represents. Namely, how the Commanders used draft capital to solidify a position weakened by the surprise release of former starter Tyler Biadasz.
Following the Belichick rule yielded the Commanders a battle-hardened prospect who is now the only natural center on the roster.
Commanders Addressed Tyler Biadasz Problem
Dumping Biadasz left the Commanders short a vital spot and open to criticism. So it was important for general manager Adam Peters to come away from this draft having found at least one potential replacement.
Gulbin qualifies, despite his late-round status. The 23-year-old became a team captain for the Spartans in 2025 and performed admirably over the ball.
His best efforts were in pass-protection, where Gulbin allowed a mere five pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s a notable number when the top priority for every Commanders offensive lineman remains keeping star quarterback Jayden Daniels clean and upright in the pocket.
Gulbin’s experience playing in the Big Ten will help, where he often faced quality opposition, the key to Belichick’s “big school” rule. Being “excellent against Michigan and Penn State last fall,” per NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Ryan Fowler, proved Gulbin could handle himself when the talent levels increased.
Commanders offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton will also appreciate Gulbin being “the most versatile interior OL in the class with over 10 starts at LG, C, and RG during his time at Wake Forest and Michigan State,” according to Fowler.
Average athlete but will win in a phone booth. Was excellent against Michigan and Penn State last fall.
Stapleton could find a role for Gulbin at two spots along an interior still lacking solidity. Mostly because Allegretti will need to convert to center, leaving left guard a questionable spot, despite the presence of third-year pro Brandon Coleman as a viable option.
Their O-line still needs work, but the Commanders are also wisely following a Belichick blueprint on the other side of the trenches.
Bill Belichick Trend Also Evident on Defensive Line
Belichick’s preference for durable linemen from big schools wasn’t limited to offense. He routinely built his defensive fronts around bulky forces in the middle, like Georgia Bulldogs stud Richard Seymour, University of Miami linchpin Vince Wilfork and Alabama game-wrecker Christian Barmore.
The Commanders haven’t gone for the same pedigree with their own defensive line, but they are replicating the Belichick reliance on size in the trenches. Reuniting with nose tackle Tim Settle and signing former New York Giants D-lineman D.J. Davidson in free agency was proof of this strategy at work.
Settle and Davidson are both 320-pounders who will be key to a new plan up front. A plan now taking shape on both sides of the ball after Gulbin’s arrival.
Commanders Followed Bill Belichick ‘Rule’ With Key Draft Pick