2026 NFL Draft: Panthers make Sam Hecht center of fifth-round attention

2026 NFL Draft: Panthers make Sam Hecht center of fifth-round attention originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Dan Morgan hinted at what he planned for the center position during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers general manager said April 14, "don't be surprised," if he made a move.

After losing Cade Mays to free agency earlier this offseason, Morgan reached out to fill the void by signing Luke Fornter on a one-year deal.

It wasn't enough.

Morgan wanted to help solidify the center position and targeted depth through the three-day showcase in Pittsburgh. He did so by drafting Kansas State's Sam Hecht with the No. 144 overall selection.

Morgan opened Day 3 with two draft-positon trades before settling on Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III with the 129th pick in the fourth round.

Panthers write in C Sam Hecht as fifth-round pick

The 6-foot-4, 303-pounder was ranked as the second-best prospect at center and 80th overall player, according to ESPN. The underdog was a zero-star recruit out of high school.

"Hecht plays light on his feet and displays good foot quickness on film," Scouts Inc. reported. "He also plays with good balance and core strength. Hecht as average moving power, but can anchor, mirror and hold his weight sustaining his blocks well."

Hecht is known for his ability to pull and handle the edge rushers on the run.