Former Kansas State center Sam Hecht has found his NFL home.
The Carolina Panthers selected Hecht in the fifth round of the NFL Draft with the No. 144 overall pick. ESPN analyzed all the Draft Day selections, applauding Carolina for getting the Wildcats veteran on Day 3.
The article wrote:
"The Panthers signed Luke Fortner in free agency, and while he's made 44 starts over four seasons, his one-year, $2.75 million contract indicates that he may not be the immediate or long-term answer at the position. Hecht gives them another option. At just over 6-4 and 303 pounds, Hecht is known more for his athleticism and technique than power. He started the [Wildcats]' last 25 games at center and did not commit an accepted penalty in 759 offensive snaps last year."
Over his tenure at Kansas State, he didn't allow a single sack or commit any penalties, keeping dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson away from pressure. Hecht's ability to protect a signal-caller of Johnson's mobility attracted many analysts. Despite his lack of size, his attention to detail and footwork shot him up the Draft boards during the Senior Bowl.
"I came in as a walk-on, so I kinda came with the mentality just to give it all, try my best, and improve daily," Hecht said in his opening Panthers press conference. "I looked up to a guy named Cooper Bebe. He’s with the Cowboys right now. He was an older guy at K-State. He did everything the right way, he’s a great mentor, and I think that kinda contributed to my game. I’m just excited to learn more as I get to the next level and just compete."
Soon enough, he'll show everyone why he was projected to be one of the best centers in the Draft. Hecht joins a Panthers squad that took a huge leap in 2025, winning the division and producing Bryce Young's best season in the pros. Carolina jumped from a basement dweller to an NFC competitor, urging the team to get help around the quarterback. Hecht will be ushered in to help Young continue to improve, hopefully protecting him at the rate the former Wildcats center guarded Johnson.
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