Who will win the Panthers’ center competition? We debate it, but you can vote, too
The Carolina Panthers don’t have either of their starting centers from last year heading into training camp. They got some reinforcements, though, in free-agent signing Luke Fortner and fifth-round draft pick Sam Hecht.
Who will be the starter Week 1?
The Charlotte Observer’s Panthers beat writers are breaking down the biggest competitions heading into training camp in a short series called “Making The Case.” Thursday, we’re tackling the center position.
Check out our rationale, and vote for your preference below.
Alex Zietlow: Making the case for Sam Hecht
If y’all read my argument for starting rookie left tackle Monroe Freeling out of the gate, you could probably guess my view on this:
Experience is good! So good, in fact, that you should give it to your most talented players!
The question becomes: Is Sam Hecht going to prove to be more gifted, more important, to the season-long success of Bryce Young and this offense than Luke Fortner? If he is, start him ASAP.
Watching film of Hecht, it’s tough to believe he won’t be. His technique makes him game-ready now. He’s mightily athletic — his 6-foot-4, 303-pound frame sprinted a 5.1-second 40-yard dash. Plus? He’ll be flanked by two of the best guards in the NFL statistically over the last two years. Start him now.
Mike Kaye: Making the case for Luke Fortner
The Panthers are looking to avoid another slow start in 2026. So, favoring a veteran-heavy offensive line might make sense, especially with Bryce Young facing a monumental campaign for his future in Carolina.
Fortner, like Rasheed Walker at left tackle, isn’t a particularly dynamic blocker. But the former third-round pick is sharp-minded and knows what he’s doing. Fortner has called protections throughout his career, and he knows how to communicate down the line.
Sticking an unproven player at the position isn’t necessary. And with an early bye in Week 5, Fortner — if given the gig in Week 1 — can provide a runway for someone like Hecht or Nick Samac to watch and learn from him.
Fortner has started 44 games in his NFL career. Samac and Hecht have combined for zero NFL offensive snaps at this point. With the Panthers hoping to get off to a strong start, it’d be logical to lean on Fortner’s experience.
Plus, Fortner starting at center might further the case to use first-round pick Monroe Freeling in Week 1. Two rookies starting on the offensive line in Week 1 isn’t all that appealing, but with Fortner starting over Hecht (and/or Samac), in theory, Freeling could be a much more palatable option on the blind side on opening weekend.
Who do you think will start: Sam Hecht or Luke Fortner?
Vote in our poll below!
