Christian Hackenberg Impresses at Penn State Pro Day

With scouts, coaches, and NFL executives for nearly every NFL team on hand, Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg took a big step forward in his quest to become a starting NFL quarterback.

Hackenberg did not participate in any of the general drills (vertical, 40 yard dash) after completing them at the Combine last month. He did throw a lot and showed some improvements.

The two teams that spent the most time talking to Christian Hackenberg were the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and Buffalo Bill’s offensive coordinator Greg Roman each spent a considerable amount of time talking individually with Hackenberg, as well as his off-season coach Jordan Palmer.

Buccaneers quarterback coach Michael Bajakian also spent a very long period of time watching Hackenberg, but perhaps that was for future knowledge.

The Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears were also talking to him and were positioned much closer than the others during his throwing session.

One team that was not seemed to be found were the Houston Texans. With the connection between head coach Bill O’Brien and Hackenberg such a highlighted talking point this draft season, it was surprising not to see Houston vastly represented.

During his throwing workouts, Christian Hackenberg showed good accuracy, mobility, and the ability to hit receivers deep.

Here are some videos I took of Christian Hackenberg’s throwing drills, which his offseason coach Jordan Palmer said he designed on his own.

This tape is at a side angle. On his first throw, he hits his receiver perfectly approximately 60 yards down the field.

Hackenberg did not do many interviews and spent much of his time talking to the coaches and scouts on hand.

Besides Christinan Hackenberg, the other notable names participating were Carl Nassib, Austin Johnson, Kyle Carter, Anthony Zettel, and Jordan Lucas.

Former Penn State kicker Sam Ficken was also present and kicking for teams after going undrafted last year.

We will have more on the Penn State Pro Day, as well as other NFL Draft coverage throughout the NFL Draft season!