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STEAL: Sam Hecht's Journey from Walk-On to Carolina Panthers Fifth-Round Pick
Can rookie center Sam Hecht’s rise from Kansas State walk-on to fifth-round draft pick anchor a new era for the offensive line? Julian Council breaks down Hecht’s journey, his standout athletic intelligence, and why Dane Brugler rated him the No. 2 center prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. With a deep dive into Hecht’s Big 12 accolades, Kansas State’s O-line pedigree, and concerns about size and fit, the episode asks: Is Hecht the long-awaited answer at center?
Insights cover the Panthers’ persistent struggles finding value beyond early draft rounds, the three-man competition with Luke Fortner…
The skinny
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