Panthers’ 5th-round center Sam Hecht is an absolute steal

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas State offensive lineman Sam Hecht (OL27) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The Panthers landed a plug-and-play center in the fifth round of the 2026 draft with Sam Hect out of Kansas State. He lacks ideal length and weight for the position, but he makes up for it with flawless fundamentals. Here’s everything you need to know.

Stats & Accolades

• 2023: (13 games played)

• 2024: (13 games played, 13 starts), Second-Team All-Big 12

• 2025: (12 games played ,12 starts), First-Team All-Big 12

What the Panthers are getting:

Hecht is a top center prospect in this draft class with impeccable fundamentals and technique that may help him become the first player at his position off the board come draft time. He does not possess strong measurables or athleticism but he’s a plug-and-play pivot with the goods between his ears to start for a team in Year 1. Despite the lack of standout athletic testing numbers, Hecht moves fluidly in space and shows poise through the entire process of pulling into space and locking on to moving defenders. His skillset will allow offenses to get creative in his usage while giving him one of the higher floors in the draft for his position.

Strengths

• Movement skills look natural fluid in space
• Will not be caught with frozen feet or hands, constantly adjusting and fighting for position
• Active eyes linked with feet while deducing stunts/games

Weakness