Panthers GM says Sam Hecht will compete for starting spot after NFL Draft

Yahoo Sports3h ago10 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Panthers GM Dan Morgan announced that Sam Hecht will compete for a starting position after being selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Hecht was previously projected as a second- or third-round pick.

Key points

Panthers GM Dan Morgan announced Sam Hecht's competition for a starting spot
Hecht was selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft
Hecht was previously projected as a second- or third-round pick
Morgan praised Hecht's quickness and ability to reach defenders
Hecht was a two-year starter at Kansas State

Kansas StateCarolina PanthersSam Hecht

Panthers GM says Sam Hecht will compete for starting spot after NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said that Sam Hecht will have the chance to compete for a starting job immediately after taking him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Hecht slid to the fifth round after many outlets considered him a second- or third-round pick throughout the predraft process. The two-year starter at Kansas State was taken with the No. 144 overall selection on Saturday, April 25.

"He's going to have the chance to compete," Morgan said. "What you see is his initial quickness; he's good with angles, he can reach guys, and he's good with his hands. He's another guy who can work to the second level, get out in space as a puller. There are a lot of things that we like about him."

Kansas State freshman wide receiver Julius Wilson (16) walks in to practice on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Kansas State sophomore offensive lineman Gus Hawkins (70) works on a drill with sophomore offensive lineman Ryan Howard (72) during practice on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.