Sports
Carolina Marín, sobre su retirada: "Es la mejor decisión que he podido tomar en toda mi carrera deportiva"
Marca
NFLFeature
2 Panthers rookies identified as high-value NFL Draft picks
TL;DR
The Carolina Panthers have identified two rookies as high-value picks from the recent NFL Draft, including center Sam Hecht, a fifth-round selection from Kansas State. Hecht is noted for his durability and potential to start as a rookie.
Key points
- Carolina Panthers identified two rookies as high-value picks
- Sam Hecht is a fifth-round selection from Kansas State
- Hecht has starter potential and was durable in college
Sam HechtCarolina PanthersNFL Draft 2026
Finding high-end talent in the first 10 picks of the NFL draft is not that difficult. The real challenge, one that the perennial contenders often accomplish, is hitting on your picks for Days 2 and 3.
The Carolina Panthers, who just broke a seven-year playoff drought last season, are attempting to establish themselves into that conversation with the true playoff contenders. And according to Nick Baumgardner at The Athletic, the defending NFC South champs may be on their way with a pair of late-round gems from a few weeks ago.
Baumgardner starts with former Kansas State center and fifth-round selection Sam Hecht as one of his high-value 2026 NFL Draft picks:
A smart player who moves well laterally and has more power than you’d think, Hecht (6-4, 303) has starter potential — possibly as a rookie. He did not commit a penalty last season, and despite size concerns, he was one of the more durable linemen in college football, with 25 straight starts to close his career.
Veteran Luke Fortner is projected to start at center for the Panthers at the moment—but the more Hecht can push him for first-team snaps, the better. Hecht earned high grades from PFF in both pass blocking (79.6) and run blocking (77.7) last season.
He's joined on Baumgardner's list by fellow fifth-rounder and Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley:
Q&A
Who are the high-value rookies identified by the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Draft?
The Carolina Panthers identified center Sam Hecht and another unnamed rookie as high-value picks from the recent NFL Draft.
What are Sam Hecht's notable attributes as a player?
Sam Hecht is recognized for his lateral movement, power, and durability, having started 25 consecutive games without committing a penalty.
How did the Carolina Panthers perform in the previous NFL season?
The Carolina Panthers broke a seven-year playoff drought last season and are looking to establish themselves as playoff contenders.
