NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 1

Nov 15, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

Christian Hackenberg (QB – Penn State) vs. Temple

Despite being widely-considered a top quarterback prospect, Christian Hackenberg has yet to realize his full potential. That needs to change this season or his draft stock will start to plunge.

Hackenberg was dreadful last year, and the game against Temple wasn’t any different. The Penn State QB was 12-of-26 for 112 yards and two interceptions. Take away the three screen passes and he finished just 9-of-23 on passes beyond the line of scrimmage. The offensive line took a lot of heat for not keeping Hackenberg upright last year, but he was well-protected in this game.

Decision making is one area he must improve upon if he is going to be a first-round pick. Especially in critical situations, he must make better and quicker decisions. His 40 percent conversion rate through the air on third down last season was well below average. Other potential first-round quarterbacks such as USC’s Cody Kessler and Michigan State’s Connor Cook had conversion rates of 53 percent and 48 percent respectively.

Hackenberg has the size and strength to be a starting QB in the NFL, but there are still a lot of question marks. Temple has the best defense of any of Penn State’s non conference opponents, so this will be a good litmus test for the junior QB.

Next: Elijah McGuire