Sam Hecht 2026 NFL Draft Profile

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially this month, taking place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. NFL teams have the opportunity to address needs they still have after free agency. While certain positions generate plenty of buzz ahead of the draft, others fly under the radar. Interior offensive linemen don’t make a lot of headlines during draft season. Although it isn’t a widely-discussed position, there is some intriguing talent at center in this class. One of the top centers available is Kansas State’s Sam Hecht. Hecht emerged as one of the best linemen in the Big 12 and might be the first center off the board later this month. What are his strengths and weaknesses as a prospect, and how does he translate to the next level?

2026 NFL Draft: Sam Hecht Player Profile

Measurables

Height- 6-foot-4

Weight- 303 pounds

Background

Hecht was an unranked prospect in the Class of 2021 coming out of Mill Valley (Kansas). He chose to stay in the Sunflower State and committed to Kansas State. After making no appearances in his redshirt season in 2021, Hecht saw limited action in four games in 2022. His redshirt sophomore campaign in 2023 was more of the same, as he played just 48 offensive snaps over four games. Cooper Beebe‘s departure for the NFL opened up space on the Wildcats’ offensive line, and Hecht took advantage of this opportunity.

After seeing limited action the previous two seasons, Hecht started all 13 games at center in 2024. In 432 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed 11 pressures and no sacks. Hecht improved in 2025, starting every game at center again. He logged 392 pass-blocking snaps, allowing just seven pressures, and didn’t give up a sack for the second season in a row. Hecht posted an 80.3 PFF grade in 2025, good for fourth-best among all centers.

Strengths

The first thing that jumps off the tape when watching Hecht is his athleticism. He moves incredibly well for a center and excels at getting to the second level of the defense. Hecht thrives as a pulling blocker and initiates contact well when he climbs to the second level. He is also reliable in pass protection, giving up no sacks over 850 career pass-blocking snaps. While he isn’t the biggest center, he holds up well against bull rushes. Hecht is a disciplined player, having zero penalties called on him in 2025.

Weaknesses

Hecht’s frame is on the lighter end for an NFL center, weighing 303 pounds. Although he held up well in pass protection in college, he may struggle against stronger defensive linemen at the next level. While he’s a good run blocker, he doesn’t finish reps great and overpower defenders.

Overview

There will be a lot of talent available at center on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft. Hecht has a case as the best center available. His combination of athleticism and reliability in pass protection gives him a fairly high floor. While he isn’t a player who will regularly pancake defenders, his strong movement skills should fit well in a zone-blocking scheme. Hecht is currently projected as either a late second-round pick or an early third-round pick. The Bears are an ideal fit, with Ben Johnson running a ton of outside zone. Chicago traded for Garrett Bradbury after Drew Dalman retired, but it can use a long-term answer at center. Hecht should serve as a reliable starter for the team that drafts him.