As former Kansas State center Sam Hecht prepares for the NFL Draft, one team is entering the sweepstakes as a top option for him: the Chicago Bears. The now-playoff contender is the frontrunner to acquire Hecht, especially after the latest laud from sports analyst Kay Adams. The former Wildcats star says he'd be excited to work with a playmaker like Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
"Their O-line coaches were the ones putting us through the O-line drills," Hecht said. "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."
Hecht spent four seasons with Kansas State, earning All-Big 12 honors in his last two seasons. He was an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2025, despite the line's general struggles. He was initially projected as a third or fourth-round pick, but his Senior Bowl tape has shot him up the boards, with some anticipating him being selected as early as the second round.
Here's the NFL's Draft profile on Hecht:
"Hecht lacks ideal mass and length, but it will be hard to find a center in this year’s draft with better technique. He plays with well-placed inside hands that help maximize his leverage and core strength. All schemes are available to him, but his athleticism will shine when activated in space. He stays sticky to blocks once he connects, but his lack of length will put him on the wrong side of the battle from time to time in both the run and pass phases. Hecht needs to add more muscle mass to his frame, but he has the consistency and tape of a future starter."
For Chicago, the retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman could lead to Hecht being his replacement. He did well helping keep quarterback Avery Johnson off the ground last season, which he could replicate with Williams. One of the best quarterbacks in the lead last season, Williams led Chicago to new heights in 2025, giving the organization the confidence to build a team for continued success.
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