Feb. 25, 2026, 6:30 p.m. CT
The Unpacking FuturePackers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who theGreen Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
It’s no secret that Elgton Jenkins has probably played his last snap for the Green Bay Packers. The former second-round pick and versatile offensive lineman is expected to be a cap casualty this offseason.
With his departure, the Packers will have a glaring hole in the middle of their offensive line. A potential target in the 2026 NFL Draft to replace Jenkins at center is Sam Hecht. The Kansas State center checks in at No. 62 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A native of Kansas and a former walk-on, Hecht finished his career at Kansas State with 25 starts at center, including 12 games this past season.
“He was rock solid the last two seasons,” Drew Galloway, a Kansas State reporter for On3sports, said. “As a former walk-on turned scholarship player and starter, he meant a lot to the program and to the offense. Kansas State didn’t have the season they wanted to, but he was a steady presence and continued to get better every season.”
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At 6-4, 297 pounds and 32-inch arms, Hecht has adequate length. The Kansas State center is patient in his pass sets and has a strong base to anchor against power. He has a high football IQ and alert eyes to quickly pick up stunts. The former walk-on has good lateral quickness to mirror interior rushers. During his two seasons as a starter, Hecht gave up zero sacks and 19 pressures.
“He has really good balance and footwork in the passing game,” Galloway said. “He has worked really hard to become a better player in pass protection and is a really smart player while having good footwork and technique.”
As a run blocker, Hecht is powerful and keeps his legs driving at contact to move defenders out of the way. He shows no restrictions in pulling or climbing to the second level. When he reaches the second level, he plays under control and picks off his targets.
“In the run game, he is a road grader and plays with a mean streak,” Galloway said. “Every offensive lineman at K-State who played under Conor Riley had the same mean streak in the run game.”
Fit with the Packers
Once Jenkins is cut, the Packers will have a massive need at center. Hecht could be a plug-and-play starter and anchor Green Bay’s offensive line for the next eight-plus years.
“Sam is a really good kid,” Galloway said. “As I said, he’s a former walk-on who has really paved his way into being a two-time all-conference player. He can play center or guard at the next level and is extremely steady. He’s someone who can have a long career in the NFL with the amount of work he has put in and will continue to put in the work.”
Hecht is a Day 3 player on my board. If he’s still available when the Packers are on the clock in the fourth round, he could be the pick. It would not shock me if they use the 84th overall pick to snag him if they view him as a potential building block.