Two former Kansas State football players were taken in the late rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving the Wildcats with roster holes to address. With the next season fast approaching, it's time to evaluate the options to replace the NFL Draft departures.
Replacing Former Wildcats S VJ Payne and C Sam Hecht in the 2026 Season
Sam Hecht was a vital part of the Kansas State offensive line. Not only was he with the Wildcats for four seasons, but he proved one of the best in the conference at the position.
With the Wildcats, Hecht saw action in 42 games, including 25 consecutive starts in his final two seasons. He earned multiple Big 12 honors, including both first and second team mentions along with academics. Hecht was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round, joining the same team as another former Wildcats safety, Will Lee III.
Both occupy different rooms and will see action when camps get underway, but Hecht has some stiff competition. At the center position, he's currently listed second on the depth chart behind last season's starter Luke Fortner.
Nick Samac, another Panthers center, is the projected third string. Both are likely to earn reps during preseason action, and will touch the practice field sooner rather than later.
Back at Kansas State, the competition is no easier. In Hecht's old position, the Wildcats return last season's backup, Kyle Rakers. Should they follow the pecking order of last season, he'll likely see the majority of starting reps.
VJ Payne to New York Jets, Wildcats options at safety
The New York Jets selected former Kansas State safety VJ Payne in the seventh round, setting him up as a third string on the depth chart ahead of the preseason. He's currently listed behind longtime NFL veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick and second string Dean Clark.
In his time at Kansas State, Payne racked up 196 tackles and four forced fumbles. He saw action in 42 games across four seasons, starting in all but two. Back in 2024, he logged 12 tackles in a single game against Iowa State, a game that still stands as his career high.
Payne was also the only former Kansas State player selected as a draft pick that wasn't taken by the Panthers. That doesn't mean much, only that he won't play with Hecht in his first season.
At the time of publication, there aren't any clear reports indicating potential replacements, or names in contention for the starting role. That's likely to change closer to the start of next season.
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