The Los Angeles Chargers are now in search of a new center after news of Bradley Bozeman's retirement broke on Monday.
While the retirement came as a surprise, Bozeman's departure was expected. He had a disappointing two years in Los Angeles, and 2025 was particularly bad. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the worst center in the league by overall protection grade.
He had multiple whiffs in big moments for the team, and his overall ability to move defenders in the run game was virtually non-existent. With Mike McDaniel coming in, it was believed that Bozeman would be one of the Chargers' primary cut candidates.
It's quite possible he saw the writing on the wall and decided to go out on his own terms.
Now, however, Los Angeles gets an opportunity to start from scratch this offseason, rectifying the mistake they made in bringing Bozeman back in 2025. According to FanSided's most recent 2026 NFL Mock Draft, they will do exactly that, selecting Sam Hecht out of Kansas State at 86th overall.
Sam Hecht could be the center the Chargers have been searching for
As of now, the Chargers' premier center target would be Tyler Linderbaum if he ultimately hits the open market. But with Zion Johnson's perilous contract situation and a probable need at right guard, perhaps it would be better to devote draft capital to the center position.
If they do, Hecht could be their best choice.
At 6'4" and 297 lbs, Hecht is not a massive physical specimen. But almost none of the centers in the draft are. Where he excels is in his work ethic.
Here's what Levi Dombro, writing for Bolt Beat, had to say about Hecht in his scouting report:
"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."Levi Dombro
Per Pro Football Focus, Hecht finished sixth among all qualifying centers in overall protection grade. He helped lead a successful Kansas State rushing offense in 2025, and he upped his stock even further at the Senior Bowl with a strong showing in the 1-on-1 drills.
He's not the top center in the draft, but nabbing him in the third round would allow Los Angeles to devote their earlier draft capital to someone like Olaivavega Ioane out of Penn State, solidifying two positions along their offensive line in one fell swoop.
Of course, there will be options with higher immediate upside in free agency. But all paths must be considered now that Bozeman's gone, and Hecht could be a worthy replacement.