Overview
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 228 pounds
School: Penn State Nittany Lions
Christian Hackenberg 2016 NFL Draft Profile
It’s hard not to notice the array of #14 jerseys worn around State College, PA. To put it simply, Christian Hackenberg was the man. His decision to stay in University Park amiss the infamous sanctions will forever keep him in high respect among Penn State fans. Although his decision to stay is commendable, it’s his production on the field that has done the majority of the talking for him.
Hackenberg simply excelled under former Penn State Head Coach, and current Houston Texans Head Coach, Bill O’Brien’s offense. In 2013, his completion percentage was over 50%, dropping each year since. Not only did he record 20 touchdowns his freshman season, but also set the school record for passing with 2,955 yards recorded. Although his completion percentage decreased the next two years, he threw his least amount of interceptions in the 2015 season.
Although many believe the Houston Texans will draft Hackenberg and reunite him with his former head coach, his performance in the 2016 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium seemed to be less than ideal for both Hackenberg’s draft stock and teams looking for a justifiable quarterback pick.
Strengths
- Great physical build
- Tireless leader
- Experience with pro-style offense
Weaknesses
- Inaccuracy
- Tends to telegraph passes
- Lethargic decision maker; sees the blitz/pressure coming but tends to move as if he’s stuck in molasses at times
NFL Comparison: Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
Teams with Need at Position: Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers
Projection: 3rd Round
Bottom Line
Hackenberg is a strong leader and will do what it takes to guide his team to a victory, even if that means calling plays from the sideline and not from behind the center. He has experience performing in a pro-style offense. If he regains his confidence, and is drafted to a team with a strong offensive line, he can prove why he was so highly recognized prior to arriving to Penn State and throughout his freshman season.
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