The Carolina Panthers have made a strategic move in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Kansas State center Sam Hecht with the 144th pick in the fifth round.
Why it matters: This selection addresses a pressing need for the Panthers, who lost key offensive linemen in free agency and now look to solidify their line with a promising prospect.
The Panthers entered the draft with only one center, Luke Fortner, but now have two after adding Hecht.
Hecht is expected to compete for the starting center position against Fortner, who is not under contract beyond this year.
This pick comes after the Panthers traded back twice in the fourth round to acquire the 144th selection.
Driving the news: Sam Hecht was selected during the NFL Draft event held in Pittsburgh on April 25, 2026. He is the first offensive lineman from Kansas State to be chosen since 2024.
Hecht’s selection marks a return to prominence for K-State offensive linemen, as he is the first center drafted from the program since Cody Whitehair in 2016.
During his college career, Hecht started 25 games and impressively never allowed a sack.
Hecht earned All-Big 12 honors for both 2024 and 2025, solidifying his reputation as one of the top center prospects this year.
State of play: The Panthers are in a transitional phase, having lost Cade Mays to the Detroit Lions and Austin Corbett to the Buffalo Bills in free agency.
Hecht joins a roster that includes Fortner and Nick Samac, a former Ravens practice squad player signed last year.
With Hecht's ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line, the Panthers gain flexibility in their lineup.
General manager Dan Morgan has been proactive in addressing the team’s needs during the draft, especially in the trenches.
The big picture: Hecht's arrival could signal a shift in the Panthers' offensive strategy, emphasizing stronger protection for their quarterback.
Hecht is 6-foot-4 and weighs 303 pounds, which provides him with the necessary size to compete at the NFL level.
His athletic testing results include a 40-yard dash time of 5.10 seconds and a vertical jump of 28 inches, indicating his physical capabilities.
The Panthers have focused heavily on improving their offensive line during this draft, which is often where games are won or lost.
What they're saying: Analysts are optimistic about Hecht’s potential impact on the Panthers.
"He offers some position flexibility on the interior of the offensive line," said a scouting report, highlighting his adaptability.
ESPN ranked Hecht as the 80th prospect and the second-best center in the draft, noting his impressive performance in college.
"There's not a team in the league that could feel bad about taking an offensive lineman with zero sacks allowed over two seasons as a starter," another analyst remarked.
By the numbers: Hecht's college statistics reinforce his readiness for the NFL.
He started every game in his last two seasons and was recognized as a First-Team All-Big 12 member in 2025.
His career included 13 games played in both 2024 and 2025, showing consistency and reliability.
Hecht did not commit a single penalty as a senior, underscoring his discipline on the field.
What's next: As the Panthers prepare for training camp, competition for the center position will intensify.
Hecht is expected to learn from veterans like Fortner, which could accelerate his development.
The Panthers will likely evaluate Hecht's performance closely as they look to solidify their starting lineup.
With the draft now complete, the Panthers have two remaining picks to finalize their roster, including No. 158 and No. 200.
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, Hecht to see if he can translate his college success into a starting role with the Panthers.