It's Day 2 of the NFL Draft today. The first 32 former collegiate stars have found their new homes, and now the next rounds of NFL prospects will follow.
Kansas State fans should tune in tonight. Former Wildcats center Sam Hecht is likely to hear his name called, as he's landed in many Day 2 projections in recent NFL mock Drafts. Here are a few of the latest projections for Hecht from major news outlets:
ESPN
PROJECTION: Round 2, Pick 60 - Chicago Bears (from BUF)
"Waiting until Round 3 to grab a center might be possible given the depth of this class, but the Bears jump on Hecht here," the article wrote. "He's my top center and is an elite run blocker."
Chicago has been the favorite to acquire Hecht, giving the team some depth and a long-term option at center. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams rose in his sophomore season, likely encouraging the front office to invest more in protecting him. Like Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson, Williams is a mobile quarterback who gets out of the pocket a lot and needs time to get the ball down the field.
CBS Sports
PROJECTION: Round 3, Pick 71 - Washington Commanders
If last season proved anything, it's how essential Jayden Daniels is to Washington's success. His rookie year leading the team to the championship illustrated his potential under center in the organization. His gruesome Week 9 injury completely derailed the season, erasing any hopes of returning to glory. Once again, Hecht would be an ideal center to help with protection, especially since Daniels also likes to utilize his legs.
While his old teammate VJ Payne will likely wait until Saturday to hear his name, Hecht has shot up in Draft projections. His Senior Bowl tape and production over the last couple of seasons have made him a solid option for many teams in need of linemen. Hecht has made headlines for his quarterback protection as a starter the last two years, not allowing a single sack.
His ability to keep quarterback Johnson off the ground over his Wildcats tenure has made him one of the most coveted centers, arguably the best in his position to some analysts. Johnson's dual-threat play style is very attractive in the modern NFL, so Hecht's ability to protect a signal-caller like him will attract many scouts.
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