The NFL has become so much about finding top-flight players at what most bill to be the "premier positions" like quarterback, edge rusher, offensive tackle and wide receiver. And in recent years, the Los Angeles Chargers have been effective in finding such players. But they've still come up short.
Teams shouldn't overreach at any one position too much and sell themselves short at another. Otherwise, they end up in a pickle like the one Jim Harbaugh's team found themselves in during the 2025 season. The tackles went down with injuries, and the whole thing collapsed when it mattered.
Bolstering the interior offensive line should be at the forefront of Harbaugh's and Joe Hortiz's minds this offseason, as poor play up front was like a sickness for the Chargers this past year that affected anyone who entered the lineup. Kansas State's Sam Hecht, however, could be a remedy.
Kansas State IOL Sam Hecht 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes:
Height:Â 6042
Weight: 297
Recruiting:Â Unranked recruit in class of 2021. Began career at Kansas State as a walk-on.
College Production:Â Two-time All-Big 12 honoree. Finalist for the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2025. 42 career games played, nearly 1,600 offensive snaps. Zero sacks and only 1 quarterback hit allowed in his final two seasons.
Positives:
- Technique is incredible. Keeps his elbows tucked and his hands inside, letting his strong upper body and core do the work. When he connects, his hand placement is elite. Only two penalties in his last two seasons, and zero as a senior in 2025.
- Great mover in the run game. Uses athleticism, agility and quick footwork to climb to the second level and find new defenders to take on.
- Intelligent player. Academic All-Conference, should learn the playbook quickly at the NFL level. Thrives in combo blocks and snuffing out twists or stunts. Great communicator up front.
- Good anchor, uses a wide base to prevent rushers from getting to the quarterback. Pass protection production is unheard of, with only one quarterback hit and zero sacks allowed in his last two years
- Improved dramatically in his second year as a starter. Also showed some versatility at the Senior Bowl, lining up at guard. The ability to play multiple positions is coveted
- Considered the best center at the Senior Bowl after a great showing. Dominated the 1-on-1 reps against a great defensive line group; was the only player to hold Texas Tech's Lee Hunter in check at the event
Hecht was a late-bloomer at the college level, but he more than made up for lost time. He isn't a physical freak, but Hecht has maximized what he has with an insatiable work ethic and incredible smarts. A combination of incredible discipline, having the drive to improve and being intelligent sounds like a holy trinity for a young interior offensive line prospect.
Negatives:Â
- On the lighter side for an interior offensive lineman. Needs to gain at least 10 pounds to add to his frame. Tall and thick, but his shorter arms cause him to lose hand battles at times, and his limited physical tools don't allow him wiggle room to cover.
- Inexperienced for a center expected to be drafted on Day 2. Showed growth from Year 1 to Year 2, but teams usually like more live reps and in-game expertise to rely on.
- Has occasional trouble against heavier and longer pass-rushers. Doesn't get beat very often, but when he does, it's when teams pick difficult matchups for him.
- Although a great mover and willing to climb to the second level, his get-off is nothing to ride home about and he often leaves for that next level too early
Hecht is not without his deficiencies, but adding some mass to his frame should sew up several of his shortcomings. The rest of them will be ironed out with experience, as he spent just two years playing any significant role in college. With his smarts and determination, and his high level of production already, he should be able to start immediately and still grow in his role.
Sam Hecht NFL Player Comparison: Jordan Meredith
Meredith was an undrafted free agent coming out of college, but that's because he came from a smaller school. Hecht has proven on tape in the Big 12 and in college all-star games that he is more than worthy of a middle-round selection. But these two share similarities, and Meredith is an incredibly solid NFL player.
Both are tall and durable interior linemen who have quick feet and can move well, but need to add weight to their frame, have short arms, and struggle with hand placement at times as a result. It took Meredith a while to learn on the job as he made a transition from G5 to the NFL, but Hecht is already a step ahead of him after playing Power 4, so expect his transition to be smoother and quicker.
Sam Hecht NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 2
Centers just aren't drafted on Day 1 anymore. But Hecht is quickly rising up draft boards, and after the Senior Bowl, some had as high as a late-second-round grade on him. That feels perhaps a bit rich, but it depends on how the board falls in front of him. He could realistically be the No. 1 center prospect by April.
Nailing the combine will be critical for Hecht, as more unproven players need strong physical traits and good performances in the pre-draft circuit to solidify their status. He got off to a great start in Mobile, and if he builds on it in Indianapolis, his short but stout résumé could see him get swept up in the top 75.