2 Panthers rookies identified as high-value NFL Draft picks

Finding high-end talent in the first 10 picks of the NFL draft is not that difficult. The real challenge, one that the perennial contenders often accomplish, is hitting on your picks for Days 2 and 3. The Carolina Panthers , who just broke a seven-year playoff drought last season, are attempting to establish themselves into that conversation with the true playoff contenders.

And according to Nick Baumgardner at The Athletic , the defending NFC South champs may be on their way with a pair of late-round gems from a few weeks ago. Baumgardner starts with former Kansas State center and fifth-round selection Sam Hecht as one of his high-value 2026 NFL Draft picks: A smart player who moves well laterally and has more power than you’d think, Hecht (6-4, 303) has starter potential — possibly as a rookie. He did not commit a penalty last season, and despite size concerns, he was one of the more durable linemen in college football, with 25 straight starts to close his career.

Veteran Luke Fortner is projected to start at center for the Panthers at the moment—but the more Hecht can push him for first-team snaps, the better. Hecht earned high grades from PFF in both pass blocking (79. 6) and run blocking (77.

7) last season. He's joined on Baumgardner's list by fellow fifth-rounder and Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley: A jumbo safety who is quicker than fast, Wheatley (6-3, 203) has the size to be a potential box hybrid and the body fluidity to play either safety spot in the NFL — despite having less-than-desirable speed. If he can become a more consistent tackler, Wheatley could be a real difference-maker.