**Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State**
**School:** Kansas State University | **Conference:** Big 12
**College Experience:** Senior | **Age:** 23 (Week 1)
**Height / Weight:** 6’4” 303 lbs
**Projected Draft Status:** 3rd round
**Player Comparison:** Tanor Bortolini / Tyler Biadasz
Sam Hecht was a walk-on recruit who competed his way to the starting roster in his junior season. From there, Hecht impressed as a two-year starter, earning conference recognition in his 2024 and 2025 season. He was invited to participate in the Senior Bowl.
Sam Hecht is a well-rounded center who has great fundamentals to make up for his less than optimal build and finishing strength. Hecht has great hand placement and is good at help blocks. He’s a quick processor and is able to work his way to the second level. However, what limits Hecht’s ceiling is his short arm length. This allows longer armed defenders to get the jump on him and try to steer Hecht out of the play. In addition, he does not finish or deliver hits with the pop scouts want. All in all, Hecht is more than capable of becoming a starter in Week 1, or he could sit for a year to develop. He is predicted to be selected in the 3rd round.
* Big 12 OL of the Year Finalist (2025)
* Second Team All-Big 12 (2024)
* Senior Bowl Participant (2025)
* Great pre- and post-snap recognition of stunts and blitzes.
* Works well with teammates on blitz pickups and double teams.
* Strong anchor, making himself a wall between him and the quarterback.
* Agile feet mixed with active eyes to make him an aware protector.
* Great fundamentals with hand placements.
* A bit light for the position (<300 lbs), will need more weight to help anchor in the pros.
* Short arms allow defenders to often land the first punch.
* Only two years (25 games) of starting experience at the collegiate level.
* Doesn’t finish with much authority.
There is a bit of irony to see that one of the pro comparisons is a recently released Commander. If GM Adam Peters and OC David Blough decide to add a future center for the long-term, Hecht could fit like a glove. He is a high floor prospect that can grow into a pro-caliber starter within a year or two. Hecht could work best in a zone blocking scheme, sitting behind or challenging Nick Allegretti for the starting center position in training camp. Washington can add another building block by selecting Hecht for long-term team building.