Friday, March 6, 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect OC Sam Hecht

Sam Hecht:

Scouting Reports:







Video:

Sam Hecht runs official 5.10-second 40-yard dash at 2026 combine:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/sam-hecht-runs-official-5-1-second-40-yard-dash-at-2026-combine

Articles:

Sam Hecht’s NFL Draft Stock Is Quietly Climbing at the Perfect Time (4-22-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/player-profiles/sam-hecht-s-nfl-draft-stock-is-quietly-climbing-at-the-perfect-time

Zero Penalties, 92nd Percentile Speed: A Look at the Analytics Darling GMs Are Quietly Targeting (4-16-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/sam-hecht-nfl-draft-analytics-darling-april-15-2026/

High-Upside Day 3 Offensive Linemen Steals in the NFL Draft (Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State:  Sam Hecht arrived at Kansas State was a walk-on and developed into a First-Team All-Big 12 selection who earned himself a scholarship. The Shawnee, Kansas native is a two-year starter (25 starts, 42 total appearances) who is both athletic and technical. Hecht is undersized at 303 pounds with short arms (31 5/8"), but he projects as a plus-mover in space, possibly making him tailor fitted for a zone-based scheme.) (4-14-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/late-round-expert/high-upside-day-3-offensive-linemen-steals-in-the-nfl-draft

NFL Draft Late Round Value Picks: Offensive Linemen Nobody Is Talking About (Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State:  Kansas State center Sam Hecht is an athletic pivot who shines in space. His easy movement skills make him a straightforward fit for zone-based schemes, an offensive system that can be found all over the league thanks to Kyle Shanahan's and Sean McVay's influence. Hecht isn't a powerful blocker, and he lacks desirable length and mass, but well-developed technique and athleticism could help him develop into an NFL center.) (4-1-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/late-round-expert/nfl-draft-late-round-value-picks-offensive-linemen-nobody-is-talking-about

2026 NFL draft All-Film team: 11 prospects with upside (Interior offensive line: Sam Hecht, Kansas State - It's a loaded class for experienced centers. We have Logan Jones out of Iowa, Connor Lew out of Auburn, Pat Coogan out of Indiana and Jake Slaughter from Florida. For my money, the best of the lot is Hecht. He's not the heaviest center at 303 pounds, but he carries a ton of mass in his lower half and can exchange power for power with nose tackles 30 pounds his superior. He gave more trouble to my interior defensive lineman pick for the All-Film team than anyone else last season. (See below.)  Hecht doesn't have the length to be late on blocks, so he's an urgent and springy mover with scheme versatility. His feet never die on contact, and he has clearly poured hours into the technical side of the position. Hecht has teach-tape footwork when getting out on pulls and climbs, and the variety of punches and hand placements he uses to bait out rush moves or create torque in the running game is impressive. He rarely needs to reset his hands, as his first strike is so reliably sound -- the hallmark of a technician.  In build and in play style, Hecht is cut from the cloth of Creed Humphrey. But he lacks Humphrey's raw power and ridiculous explosiveness, so he takes a lot of plays to stalemates instead of emphatic wins. Still, on a shotgun- or RPO-heavy team that asks its center to wear a lot of hats, Hecht can be a plus starter, especially if he's insulated by supersize guards. Hecht is a fringe Day 2 prospect probably more likely to go on Day 3, but I'd take him comfortably in the third round, and I'd place a lot of marbles on him outplaying a few centers who ultimately get selected above him.) (4-1-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48357403/2026-nfl-draft-all-tape-team-best-prospects-every-position-nussmeier-bernard-barham

Lions Draft: An interior OL for every round (Fifth round: Sam Hecht, Kansas State - A center–arguably the best actual center in this class who will play as a rookie (Connor Lew’s torn ACL factors in)–Hecht is an impressive all-around prospect. Quick hands and exceptional reactionary quickness and eyes to ID targets stand out. His anchor strength will never be great, but Hecht understands how to use the power he’s got effectively enough.  Hecht helped himself with a good Senior Bowl week, where he flashed the ability to answer questions about his power and range in the run game. His best football might very well be ahead for Hecht, a two-year starter and likely center-only at the next level. His ability to sustain blocks in the run game and engage second-level defenders in space could work well in Detroit.) (3-11-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/jeff-risdon/2026/03/11/lions-2026-nfl-draft-interior-ol-guard-center-for-every-round/

Late-Round NFL Draft Big Board: 25 Hidden Value Prospects (Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State:  Kansas State center Sam Hecht is an excellent athlete who should be a popular draft-weekend target for outside zone teams. Hecht is a well-developed interior blocker who plays with terrific technique. The Wildcats standout projects as a future starting center.) (3-11-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/late-round-nfl-draft-big-board-25-hidden-value-prospects

TWENTYMAN: 5 pro days to watch this week (5. Kansas State, Tues., March 10 - Who to watch: Who will be the first center drafted next month? Kansas State's Sam Hecht is certainly in the conversation. His technique is flawless, but he could stand to test a little better in some areas measuring athleticism. Getting his 40-yard dash time of 5.1 under 5.0 with a little better split (1.73) could benefit him.  NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah thinks we'll start seeing centers like Hecht come off the board late in the second round and into the third round.) (3-8-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-5-pro-days-to-watch-this-week-terrell-lemon-hecht

5 centers for Bears in 2026 NFL Draft after Drew Dalman retires (Sam Hecht, Kansas State:  At the top of PFF's draft board, Sam Hecht was a model of consistency at Kansas State, although he does lack the usual size at the position. Hecht has been praised for his technique, the best among all centers in this year's class, and allowed 19 hurries, giving up zero sacks over the past three seasons. Projected as an early Day 2 pick, Hecht will have to put in some work in the weight room to really unlock his full potential.) (3-5-26):  https://bearswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bears/2026/03/05/bears-drew-dalman-retires-draft-centers-sam-hecht-jake-slaughter/88987433007/

Broncos Draft Watch: Day 4 Combine Risers to Know: OL (Sam Hecht | IOL | Kansas State - For offensive linemen, the 10-yard split is key, and Hecht had one of the best times. The rest of the testing left something to be desired, but he wasn't terrible.) (3-2-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/onsi/news/broncos-draft-watch-day-4-combine-risers-ol-dunker-iheanachor

2026 NFL Combine Stock Report – Offensive Linemen (Up - Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State:  Sam Hecht didn’t post the most amazing numbers at the combine, but his 1.74 10-yard split was excellent. More importantly, Hecht was one of the better interior linemen in the on-field drill work.) (3-1-26):  https://walterfootball.com/teams-see-caleb-lomu-as-a-late-1.php

10 Offensive Linemen Who Won the NFL Combine (Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State:  Kansas State center Sam Hecht is among the more underrated linemen in this class. The Wildcats performer was great at the NFL Combine. Hecht's 1.73 ten-yard split was tied for the fourth-best result in a drill that is often indicative of next-level success.  Hecht displays strength and toughness on tape. The former walk-on who hails from Shawnee, Kansas is a high-IQ pivot who will help operate an NFL offense. Hecht is incredibly alert in protection, recognizing and passing off assignments as needed.) (3-1-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/10-offensive-linemen-who-won-the-nfl-combine

Combine OL grades: Who helped their draft stock Sunday? (Sam Hecht, Kansas State - Measurables: 6-foot-4⅛, 303 pounds, 9⅞-inch hands, 31⅝-inch arm length, 76⅞-inch wingspan.  Testing: 5.10-second 40-yard dash, 1.73-second 10-yard split, 28-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-5 broad jump, 7.75-second 3-cone, 4.71-second shuttle.  Auburn's Connor Lew -- sidelined by injury -- and Hecht have been viewed as the top two center prospects throughout the season. Hecht reinforced that standing with a steady performance.) (3-1-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-combine-offensive-line-grades-spencer-fano-kadyn-proctor/

2026 NFL Combine results: 5 winners from the centers group (Sam Hecht, Kansas State (6-foot-4, 303):  Hecht, the former Kansas State walk-on, saw his massive and powerful backside become the non-mullet talk of the town in Indianapolis on Sunday. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah even joked you could read a book off of it. But that attention wasn’t the only reason he stood out.  Hecht popped immediately with a 1.73 10-yard split (84th percentile), second best among centers, and followed it up by turning in one of the stronger on-field drill performances in the first offensive line group. He moved with power and strong body control—traits that clearly stem from his lower-half and core strength. His kick slide was fluid, and his feet were notably agile on pull drills, arguably making him one of the best movers among the centers on Sunday.  His measured height and weight (60th percentile) met solid size thresholds. The lone blemish was his 31.75-inch arm length (13th percentile), which will invite some projection questions. He also surprisingly underwhelmed in the explosive jump drills, which was unexpected considering that power plant of a caboose. Overall, he posted a respectable 8.13 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) as one of the few centers to complete the agility testing.) (3-1-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158385/2026-nfl-combine-results-5-winners-from-the-centers-group

NFL Combine: 7 high-character offensive linemen for Detroit Lions (Kansas State C Sam Hecht - Size: 6-foot-4, 303 pounds.  Quick bio: Hecht, too, is a bit undersized at center, but counters with excellent athleticism and movement skills. He stayed loyal to Kansas State, working his way up from walk on to two-year starter at center, where he was named All-Big 12 in both seasons.  Current draft projection: Round 3-4.  Combine vibes:  I asked Hecht about what the walked-on mentality means to him, and he said the magic word.  “You’ve got to have some grit if you’re a walk-on,” Hecht said. “One of the adversitites that I had I was kinda lighter in high school, gained a lot of weight my first year (in college). That summer in my freshman year, I got bad shin splints. I didn’t want to tell anyone, I didn’t want to get help from the trainers, because I was fighting for my scholarship. So, as a walk-on, I just fought through it.”) (3-1-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158358/nfl-combine-7-high-character-offensive-linemen-for-detroit-lions

Could one of draft's top center prospects be a fit for Lions? ("There are some good guys like some third-round type players," NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said recently. "Sam Hecht from Kansas State I think can start Day 1. He probably goes in the late second and early third-round range.  Hecht (6-4, 297) is a little undersized but is a technician at the position and can play in any scheme and has a high floor with room to add strength to his frame.  "I love pulling and getting out in space, climbing to the second level and just playing fast and showing off my athletic ability," Hecht said Saturday. "Just my consistency. I like to be very disciplined in everything I do whether it's the little things or the big things.") (2-28-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/could-one-of-draft-s-top-center-prospects-be-a-fit-for-lions

Second-Round Draft Prospects Who Could Be Day 1 Starters in Detroit (Kansas State C Sam Hecht:  In the same vein as Bisontis, the interior offensive line will likely be a need for Detroit. If Ratledge sticks at guard, Hecht looks to be one of the most pro-ready centers who could earn a job early in his career.  Last season, the Lions relied on Graham Glasgow to handle this role, and Glasgow was up and down in the role full time. He's reportedly mulling retirement, and could be a cap casualty even if he elects to return. NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah projects Hecht could start right away, and the Lions may have a big need at this position.) (2-25-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/second-round-draft-prospects-could-be-day-one-starter-2026

Two potential plug-and-play centers for Lions in NFL Draft, and a third name to know ("Sam Hecht from Kansas State I think can start Day 1. He probably goes in the late second, early third round range. Jake Slaughter from Florida I think would have a chance as a third-round pick to come in and get on the field right away. And Trey Zuhn III played primarily left tackle but has some center experience at Texas A&M. Maybe that takes a little while, but he’s graded for me in that same range as guys who would have a chance to play pretty early," Jeremiah said.  Hecht, a two-year starter for the Wildcats, was considered the best center at the Senior Bowl. He doesn't boast "ideal mass and length" for the position, per NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein, and doesn't necessarily have the elite athleticism to make up for it, "but it will be hard to find a center in this year’s draft with better technique." Zierlein adds that the 6'4, 300-pound Hecht "needs to add more muscle mass to his frame but he has the consistency and tape of a future starter.") (2-23-26):  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-two-potential-plug-and-play-centers-in-draft

Top Prospects Lions Fans Need to Watch at 2026 Scouting Combine (Sam Hecht, Kansas State:  Hecht is viewed as one of the top center prospects, and analyst Daniel Jeremiah tabbed him as someone capable of being an instant starter. The Lions leaned on Graham Glasgow to replace the retired Frank Ragnow last season and could be in the market for a new starter, and Hecht may be the best option in the draft.) (2-23-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/top-prospects-lions-fans-to-watch-2026-scouting-combine

‘Hidden Gem’ Among 10 Prospects to Watch for Packers at Scouting Combine (Sam Hecht, Kansas State:  Hecht, on the other hand, played 1,650 snaps at center at Kansas State, including 1,599 as a two-year starter. During those final two seasons, he allowed zero sacks. In 2025, he allowed zero sacks, eight pressures and was not penalized.  Melo called Hecht a “clean evaluation” with strength and intelligence.  “Sam Hecht from Kansas State I think can start Day 1,” NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah said during a conference call this week. “He probably goes in the late second, early third-round range.”) (2-22-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/onsi/news/broncos-draft-watch-day-4-combine-risers-ol-dunker-iheanachor

2026 NFL draft: Updated offensive positional rankings before the combine (Centers - 2 - Sam Hecht, Kansas State) (2-21-26):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/02/21/2026-nfl-draft-updated-offensive-positional-rankings-before-the-combine/88788211007/

3 Centers Daniel Jeremiah Believes Could Play Quickly For Lions ("Look, there's some good guys. Some third-round type players, and there's guys that are interior players, where you have some experience there at center. But like Sam Hecht from Kansas State, I think can start day one," said Jeremiah. "He probably goes in the late second-round or early third-round range.) (2-19-26): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/centers-daniel-jeremiah-believes-could-play-quickly-for-lions

Top Underrated 2026 NFL Draft Prospects You Shouldn't Ignore (8. Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State:  Kansas State center Sam Hecht is a future NFL starter. Hecht is a clean evaluation. He possesses the strength needed to anchor an offensive line and is an intelligent player both pre and post snap. He'll lead an NFL blocking unit.) (2-18-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/top-underrated-2026-nfl-draft-prospects-you-shouldn-t-ignore-01khs1ape4k3

2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Top 100 Players (90. Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State) (2-18-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft-news/latest-news/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-top-100-players-01khpjrjts2k

2026 NFL Draft Stock Report – (Up - Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State:  Team sources said two centers really impressed them at the Senior Bowl. One of them was Florida’s Jake Slaughter, and the other was Hecht. Hecht (6-4, 297) is a little underweight, but he is a technician who is smart, blocks with good hand placement, and is gritty. Hecht improved his chances of being a day-two pick after his week of practice in Mobile.) (2/17/26):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_25.php

Which Senior Bowl standouts could the Detroit Lions target? (Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State:  It's no secret that the Detroit Lions could be in the market for a center or some type of interior offensive lineman. The only way they're not, is if the organization is comfortable with Christian Mahagony and Miles Frazier starting at both guard spots and Tate Ratledge moves from guard to center. Regardless, I think adding a young center is certainly in the cards for Detroit and I think it's the smart move.  The 2026 NFL Draft doesn't possess elite centers but parts of day two and the early portion of day three will showcase quite a few starting caliber centers to be selected. We'll see if the Lions become one of those teams and if they do, I think Sam Hecht from Kansas State will be relatively high on their list.  When watching the Arizona Cardinals to see what new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing looks for with his offensive lineman, he wants dudes that can move. That includes getting out into space on zone and pin-and-pull run concepts. If they follow that mindset, getting a player such as Sam Hecht makes sense.  On film, Hecht shows that he can pull and operate in space but he's also so technically sound with his base, footwork and hand placement. Rarely do you see Hecht false step or misplace his hands. Far from a perfect prospect because he does look somewhat maxed out due to his size at 6-4 and 297 pounds but that's oddly comparable to Garrett Bradbury from the 2019 NFL Draft. The only difference is that Hecht doesn't dominate quite like Bradbury did coming out of college.) (2-4-26):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/02/04/detroit-lions-senior-bowl-targets-nfl-draft-free-agency/88497409007/

2026 Senior Bowl Practice Observations: Caleb Banks, T.J. Parker Take Field in Mobile (Sam Hecht, OC, National - Day 1 Update:  The concern with Sam Hecht was always going to be how he would handle power, and while he got moved back a couple times on Tuesday, the returns were inspiring overall for the Kansas State product. His lateral athleticism, absorbent flexibility, and ability to play square certainly help matters, but Hecht was quick to swivel his base back against power in 1-on-1s, and was angle-sound in team drills.  A fringe Top 100 prospect on my board, Hecht could rise if he keeps up his current level of play.) (1-31-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-practice-observations-day-1-2026/

2026 NFL Draft: 10 players who will rise up Trevor Sikkema's board ... (Kansas State C Sam Hecht:  Hecht stood out from the very first practice and made some money for himself this week from how consistent he was. The true senior this past season earned an 80.0 overall grade, starting in the last 25 games of his college career. His natural leverage, great footwork and lower body control, paired with vice grip hands, allows him to be quick and strong while neutralizing rushes from all different types of pass-rushers. His performance this past week gives him a case to be one of the top centers – maybe the top one – in the class.) (1-30-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-10-players-who-will-rise-up-trevor-sikkemas-board-after-the-senior-bowl

Senior Bowl 2026 Offensive Line Preview: Emmanuel Pregnon, Gennings Dunker Set the Tone (Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State:  I don’t think there’s a lineman invited to this game doing more with less than Sam Hecht.  Hecht won’t jar anyone with an elite punch, considerable length, or explosiveness in his first step, but he’s a smart technician who is plenty quick and maximizes his gifts in the run game. He’s particularly sound with angle blocks and moves like motor oil through an engine in zone concepts on the ground.  If the Kansas State product can put on weight in the pros, I wouldn’t bet against his frame. I think someone in the McVay or Shanahan coaching tree is going to circle his name in pen for a potential selection starting in Round 3.) (1-30-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-2026-offensive-line-preview/

2026 Senior Bowl: 14 NFL Draft prospects for Lions to watch (Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State (6-foot-4, 297) - Al: The two-year starting center for the Wildcats has impressed onlookers throughout Shrine Bowl practices, with noted offensive line trainer Duke Manyweather labeling him “OC-1,” and PFF’s Trevor Sikkema pointing out that he was the only lineman to consistently hold his own against Texas Tech’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark rolling boulder” Lee Hunter. Hecht’s game is fluid and fundamentally sound in nearly every aspect, allowing him to overcome less-than-ideal arm length and smaller hands. His body works in unison with ironclad grip strength, excellent core strength, and balance, enabling him to mirror defenders, latch on, and prevent disengagement. Hecht has the profile of a consistent, agile starter for the Lions as early as his second season.) (1-30-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/156306/2026-senior-bowl-game-14-nfl-draft-prospects-for-lions-to-watch

Senior Bowl practices for 2026 NFL draft: Best QBs, prospects (Quick-hitters from Day 2 - Miller:  Kansas State center Sam Hecht had two solid days in a row and is catching my eye as a potential midround steal in this class. Hecht's hand placement, power and agility have the look of a potential early starter in the NFL. He's marked on my notes as a player to dive in deeper on following this week.) (1-29-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47735737/senior-bowl-2026-nfl-draft-best-prospects-quarterbacks-nuggets

2026 Senior Bowl practise notes (day one) (Kansas State center Sam Hecht took on Lee Hunter for their first rep. Hecht held his ground and Hunter’s attempted disengage was laboured and late. He was too upright and didn’t have any juice on contact. A comfortable win for the O-line. Hecht also had a win against Bryson Eason. He had a good first day I thought.) (1-28-26):  https://seahawksdraftblog.com/2026-senior-bowl-practise-notes-day-one

2026 Senior Bowl Recap, Day 1: Standouts, draft risers and more (If Kansas State center Sam Hecht lost during the one-on-ones, I must have missed it. Whether he was facing power, speed or length, Hecht's footwork and grip strength neutralized everyone he went up against. He’s been a starter at Kansas State for the last 25 games he played in, and that experience and detailed approach really stood out.) (1-28-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2025-senior-bowl-recap-day-1-standouts-draft-risers-and-more

John Harbaugh should pay close attention to the center prospects making noise at the Senior Bowl for the 2026 NFL Draft (Kansas State C Sam Hecht:  Hecht has been one of my biggest winners of the week through two practices. When he’s been at center, he’s looked extremely reliable. He’s flashes quick feet with great body placement, along with a savviness to win reps.  On the play below, Hecht does a great job of regathering his feet against a much bigger rusher in Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr. His ability to limit forward progression from the fastest path to the quarterback is impressive.  On this team period rep, Hecht’s feet and nuanced body placement help him win this rep. He does a tremendous job of reaching and getting his head around to win.  Lastly, this play shows his ability to shut down bigger defenders. Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter was dominating everyone over the last two days. This was one of the few times someone stood up to him.) (1-28-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/john-harbaugh-senior-bowl-2026-nfl-draft-sam-hecht-james-brockermeyer-standouts-winners-center-prospects/

2026 Senior Bowl Preview: Offensive Line (Center - 1. Samuel Hecht | Kansas State | 6’4 297:  The former Kansas State center is an undersized, mobile athlete who moves laterally and to the second level with ease. PFF thought highly of this 2025 season, grading him as the sixth-best center with an overall score of 80.0. He’ll have to prove to scouts and executives that he can get past the perceived strength issues during the week. With a good week, there’s a chance that the former Wildcats pivot could get drafted on late Day 3.) (1-27-26):  https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2026/01/2026-senior-bowl-preview-offensive-line/

Senior Bowl 2026 OL/DL Primer (Samuel Hecht, IOL, Kansas State:  Samuel Hecht arrives in Mobile as a two-year starter at center for Kansas State. Hecht sustains blocks with good footwork and angles in the run game.) (1-26-26):  https://www.thedraftnetwork.com/2026/01/26/senior-bowl-2026-ol-dl-primer-roster

Senior Bowl 2026 Offensive Line Preview: Emmanuel Pregnon, Gennings Dunker Set the Tone (Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State:  I don’t think there’s a lineman invited to this game doing more with less than Sam Hecht.  Hecht won’t jar anyone with an elite punch, considerable length, or explosiveness in his first step, but he’s a smart technician who is plenty quick and maximizes his gifts in the run game. He’s particularly sound with angle blocks and moves like motor oil through an engine in zone concepts on the ground.  If the Kansas State product can put on weight in the pros, I wouldn’t bet against his frame. I think someone in the McVay or Shanahan coaching tree is going to circle his name in pen for a potential selection starting in Round 3.) (1-26-26:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-2026-offensive-line-preview/

Open Debate on Top Center Prospect (Kansas State’s Sam Heckt is a love/hate prospect with team sources. Listed at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, some sources say Hecht is maxed out in his frame and has below-average power. The sources that don’t like him say he is very scheme-specific as a fit for zone blocking only. They feel he has a sawed-off body type, but he is a great kid, works hard, plays hard, and is smart. Other sources that like him more see him as a well-balanced blocker at the point of attack with the ability to protect the quarterback and get a push in the ground game. The sources that Hecht likes see second-round potential. The ones that don’t like him think he is a mid or late-rounder. From speaking with team sources, at this point, there does not seem to be a center prospect that has true first-round potential like Graham Barton or Grey Zabel in the past two drafts.) (12-27-25):  https://walterfootball.com/open-debate-on-top-center-prospect.php

2026 NFL Draft – Stock Report (Up - Sam Hecht, S, Kansas State:  Heckt has been a rock-solid center for the Wildcats over the past two seasons, and he is a love/hate prospect with team sources. Listed at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, some sources say Hecht is maxed out in his frame and has below-average power. The sources that don’t like him say he is very scheme-specific as a fit for zone blocking only. They feel he has a sawed-off body type, but he is a great kid, works hard, plays hard, and is smart. Other sources that like him more see him as a well-balanced blocker at the point of attack with the ability to protect the quarterback and get a push in the ground game. However, the injury to Auburn’s Connor Lew, Hecht is in the running to be the top center prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft with second-round potential.) (12/23/25):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_17.php

Top 100 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board: Bowl Games Highlight Dante Moore, Ty Simpson, and Others (99. Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State) (12-13-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-100-nfl-draft-prospects-bowl-games-2025/

Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Garners 13 All-Big 12 Selections (Hecht, a senior who also earned votes from the coaches for the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award, has started each of the last 25 games at center and played in 42 career contests. An All-Big 12 Second Team selection last year, he anchored an offensive line that helped the Wildcats finish the regular season in a tie for 13th place nationally in fewest sacks per game (1.08), while they rushed for 678 yards the last two weeks against Utah and Colorado to rank fourth in the nation and tops among Power 4 schools.  A product of Shawnee, Kansas, Hecht anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a school-record 472 rushing yards at Utah, breaking a mark that stood for 71 years.) (12-4-25):  https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2025/12/4/football-k-state-garners-13-all-big-12-selections

College Football Week 12: Team of the Week, Player Awards - PFF (Big 12 Team of the Week - C: Sam Hecht, Kansas State) (11-16-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-12-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

PFSN Midseason All-Big 12 Football Team Headlined by Josh Hoover, David Bailey (PFSN Midseason All-Big 12 Football First Team - OL: Sam Hecht, Kansas State) (10-14-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-midseason-all-big-12-football-team/

Devon Dampier’s Sensational Bounce-Back Headlines Week 5 College Football Team of the Week (Center of the Week: Sam Hecht, Kansas State - Week 5 PFSN College Individual OLi Grade: 87.6 (B+).  It’s been a difficult start to the season for the Kansas State Wildcats, but center Sam Hecht was instrumental in getting the campaign back on track with a win over the UCF Knights. A stellar athlete with quick feet and dangerous intentions, he was one of the better run blockers in Week 5, allowing Dylan Edwards to run wild. He also allowed zero pressure or sacks.) (9-29-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-team-of-the-week-5-2025/

College Football Week 5: Team of the Week, Player Awards - PFF (National Team of the Week - C: Sam Hecht, Kansas State.  Big 12 Team of the Week - C: Sam Hecht, Kansas State) (9-28-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-5-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

Kansas State University Athletics

2025 CFN Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team: Too Much Talent, Too Few Spots (CFN First Team All-Big 12 Offense - C Sam Hecht, Sr. Kansas State) (7-18-25):  https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/2025-preseason-all-big-12-football-team

Posted by LionsFan at 10:09 AM

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