As the 2026 NFL Draft looms, many college stars are waiting to see their professional league destinations.
That includes former Kansas State center Sam Hecht, who is now projected by some to be drafted by the Chicago Bears as early as the second round. He's already had conversations with the team's offensive line coaches, adding fuel to a few major outlet predictions.
"Their O-line coaches were the ones putting us through the O-line drills," Hecht said to NFL media personality Kay Adams. "It was great to meet them, and I really appreciated the relationship. Protecting a quarterback of that caliber is super exciting. The staff was amazing, I feel like we grew a good relationship in the short time we had with each other."
And for any Bears fans looking from the outside in, one stat should excite them for their next potential center. Hecht allowed zero sacks or pressures to quarterback Avery Johnson - or any signal-caller - during his time in Manhattan, KS. But for Hecht, it was just business as usual.
The former Kansas State lineman earned All-Big 12 honors each of his last two seasons, including an honorable mention for the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. His Senior Bowl tape has shot him up the Draft boards, drawing in outside eyes to those who didn't watch him in Manhattan, KS.
He's pinned to Chicago as a possible replacement or depth piece for Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman, who recently retired. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, one of the highest risers in 2025, will need protection up front as the team tries to build on its magnificent season. Chicago reached new heights, winning its first playoff game since 2010 and establishing itself as a true playoff contender that no one expected.
As for Kansas State, the program ushered in Mike Schmidt as the new offensive line coach to help revamp a unit that took a step back last season. The usually reliable line was disjointed and lacked chemistry, missing assignments to create holes for rushers despite keeping Johnson off the ground pretty well. Schmidt even quoted Hecht as his motivation for joining the team and wanting to help develop the unit up front.
"Seeing guys like Sam Hecht, a walk-on player, come into this place. That’s been my M.O. throughout my whole career: developing players and having the resources," Schmidt said in his opening press conference. "I’ve never had the resources that Kansas State offers for player development. The reason I took this job is that we have all the resources."
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