Panthers Draft Center Hecht for Stability

0:00On April 25, Carolina Panthers just snagged Center Sam Hecht from Kansas State, with the 144th pick in the 2026 NFL, draft. They got that selection from a prior trade with the Chicago Bears, plugging a key gap of front. Hecht steps into an offensive line that's been searching for a steady-center long-term. Expect him to battle right away for the starting spot against free agent Luke Fortner, who they signed recently. Fans and analysts see this as a smart, no-drama addition. He's a two-year starter who didn't miss any of his last 25 college games and racked up zero penalties in 2025. His smarts and clean play have coaches buzzing. What stands out are his durability and versatility. He handles both gap and zone schemes without major flaws. Sure, his arm length is short and he lacks overpowering strength, but he brings reliable depth to a thin interior group. Bottom line, Hecht ain't the flashiest, but he fits the Panther scheme perfectly, giving

1:00them consistency they desperately need heading into next. Season. Stay locked in with NFL News Today, AI-powered updates.