Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg is one of the most debated prospects for the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, according to Charlie Campbell of walterfootball.com.
An NFL general manager reportedly views Hackenberg as a quarterback that doesn't move around the pocket well and thinks that he has just average accuracy throwing the ball, according to Campbell. Some evaluators see similarities between Hackenberg and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler in both his body language and how his teammates seem uninspired to play around him.
Other team scouts see Hackenberg as a clear first round selection, and that he fits the prototypical quarterback mold at 6-foot-4, 234 pounds, according to Campbell. Hackenberg played under an NFL coach in Bill O'Brien, who is now with the Texans, and some believe that his departure for the NFL hurt Hackenberg's NFL prospects.
ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer thinks that it's the team and not the player, according to Josh Moyer of ESPN. Once Hackenberg gets "out of that situation - which is not a good situation at Penn State - scouts and GMs and coaches will drool over Christian Hackenberg," said Dilfer, via ESPN. Dilfer gave Hackenberg high praise, and he even compared Hackenberg's playing style with Super Bowl champion Troy Aikman, according to Moyer.
Penn State head coach James Franklin said he couldn't compare Hackenberg to Aikman because he had never coached the former Cowboy. Franklin said that Hackenberg reminded him of former first round NFL draft pick Josh Freeman, according Moyer. Freeman is out of the NFL and is playing for the Brooklyn Bolts of the Fall Experimental Football League.
Hackenberg has thrown for 668 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions this season. The junior quarterback had a dreadful first game against Temple throwing for 103 yards with an interception. But since then, he has only improved and last week against San Diego State, he threw three touchdowns.
Right now, it seems like California quarterback Jared Goff and Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook are the top prospects at the quarterback position, but if Hackenberg can lead this team to a Big 10 Championship game, then he could make a case for himself as the best prospect. For now, it seems that there is a split on Hackenberg, but how he finishes this season will likely determine if he is a first round pick next year.
