Christian Hackenberg: Why Penn State QB Won’t be in NFL
By Joe Wedra
The Penn State Nittany Lions have gotten the majority of the negative media attention this season, and a lot of that has been directed towards QB Christian Hackenberg for the poor offensive production on the team. Whether the critics are right about Hackenberg being a good/great/anywhere in between is a non-talking point here. When it comes to Hackenberg projecting to the NFL – things don’t look great.
Where’s the progression?
Last year, Hackenberg brought eye-popping plays and really impressed as a freshman. He had flaws and a better offensive line, but all the little signs were there. He was poised for a breakthrough in 2014, but it hasn’t and looks like it simply won’t happen.
This season, seemingly everything about his game (as you’ll see below) has been pretty miserable and has taken three steps back. The best young college quarterbacks need to take their steps forward, not stumble – even with mediocre pieces around them.
Pocket presence problems
Penn State’s offensive line has had its fair share of troubles setting up a wall in front of Hackenberg this year, but the sophomore QB hasn’t bailed them out and done them favors. He’s been under heat for the majority of the season, but his presence of mind when attempting to scramble has been pitiful.
Much like Blaine Gabbert, Hackenberg seems more willing to hit the deck than use his legs to make a play. He might look great in warmups, but when he has 300-pound guys barreling down on him play after play, he folds.
Decisions aren’t improving
Decision-making has been spotlighted as one of the key traits for QB prospects through the years. For now, Hackenberg is failing that test with ease. He isn’t showing pinpoint, NFL accuracy to make it to the next level. His arm strength is there, but hitting a target has been a bit of an issue.
Current NFL projection
It’s tough to say this after what we’ve been expecting, but Hackenberg has no NFL potential as things currently stand. He has two years to improve, but will he?