2016 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top Ten Quarterbacks
4. Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
Sep 19, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) looks to throw a pass during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
After an incredible freshman season with offensive guru Bill O’Brien as his head coach, Christian Hackenberg became a major quarterback prospect to watch. In his sophomore campaign of 2014 without O’Brien, Hackenberg was not as impressive tossing 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions on the season, and is having more of the same issues this year.
The loss of O’Brien clearly had and effect on Hackenberg who simply does not look like the same player. Current Penn State head coach James Franklin simply refuses to change his offense to match his quarterback, and it is hurting both Hackenberg’s play, and the performance of the entire offense. Also, Penn State has arguably the worst offensive line in college football. Hackenberg is constantly running for his life.
The numbers are not pretty, and it has already caused Hackenberg’s stock to slip. But I honestly believe the factors surrounding him at Penn State have more to do with his lack of production than Hackenberg’s ability as a quarterback. This guy has all of the skills to be a star in the NFL, and the sooner he leaves college, the better off he will be.
Hackenberg is one of the guys who simply looks like an elite pro prospect. With great size (6-foot-4, 236 pounds), poise in the pocket, mobility and arm strength, Hackenberg will not have any physical limitation. He shows great accuracy at times, including on a consistent basis his freshman season.
There are obviously some questions surrounding Hackenberg after last year and his start to this season. Is it the atmosphere at Penn State? Or does Hackenberg have inconsistent accuracy and issues reading defenses? Personally, I think it is the former, and Penn State fans are always going to look at this Hackenberg era as an era full of missed opportunities.
He is a traditional pro prospect who will certainly be a first-round consideration. If his production improves throughout the season, I would not count him out as a possible first overall pick. His raw skills are that good.
Next: Number Three