Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

One of the more polarizing prospects of the entire 2016 NFL draft class. A few months ago Christian Hackenberg was a slam dunk 1st round prospect. Now his future is somewhat murky. What does his scouting report have to say?

Position: QB

School: Penn State

Year: Junior

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 236 lbs

History:

Being a Pennsylvania native, it was almost destiny that Hackenberg would go to Penn State. He went to high school at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia and was ranked the best quarterback prospect in the country by the time college rolled around. His commitment was overshadowed by the Sandusky scandal though.
It didn’t take long to get a grasp of his character as he chose to stay despite the controversy. He started as a freshman and was an instant sensation, winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Unfortunately, the departure of head coach Bill O’Brien to the NFL stunted his progress and he has struggled since.

STRENGTHS:

• Great size. His body showed it could handle the rigors of frequent punishment that would be common in NFL.
• Maybe not a cannon for arm, but has plenty of zip on the ball to make almost any throw in the playbook.

This might look like less of a highlight reel throw but understand that Hackenberg is throwing that football into a tight spot congested with several defenders. He hits the back of his drop and doesn’t hesitate to cut it loose, puts the pass high enough so it isn’t tipped and with enough velocity to get there before the defensive backs can react. The receiver catches the touchdown and the defenders collide a split-second after.

• Deceptively mobile for his size. Not only can he move in the pocket away from pressure but he can take off and run with the ball.
• Dangerous if you don’t pressure him consistently. Racks up numbers quickly when he’s in rhythm.
• Shows understanding of pro offense. Steps up in the pocket and goes through his progressions to find open receiver.

WEAKNESSES:

• Inconsistent footwork leads to his problems with accuracy. Needs to learn the fundamentals of the position.

Watch the progression of his drop back on this shotgun play against Temple. While he does a fine job of getting the ball out fast, his feet barely move and he doesn’t follow through completely on his throwing motion. That is why the ball comes out low and hits the ground. It’s an easy pass that pro quarterbacks should hit blindfolded when their mechanics are right.

• Tendency to make bad decisions, throwing into tight windows and being careless with the ball. Also holds the ball too much. Needs to learn to throw it away rather than keep taking hits or sacks.
• Doesn’t always show touch on his passes. Throws a lot of line drives, leading to tipped balls or interceptions.
• Can get jittery when blitzed. Struggles to recognize where it’s coming from and where to deliver the football.

Pro Comparison: Jay Cutler

A lot of positive and negative similarities here. Like Cutler, Hackenberg has a strong arm (not quite as strong), a big body that shows an ability to run, and a tendency to slice up defenses when he’s in rhythm. However, also like Cutler he’s coming in with bad mechanics, trouble handling pressure, and streaky accuracy and decision-making.

Projection: 2nd to 3rd rounds

Chances are Hackenberg will be gone on Day 2. His talent is worthy of the 1st round but his development hasn’t progressed enough to get him there. Still too many issues to iron out. Not all of that is his fault, given the questionable coaching situation at Penn State, but that’s how things can be for certain prospects. If he ends up in the right system, his physical ceiling is as high as anybody.