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Christian Hackenberg Gaining On Jared Goff In Draft Race

By Erik Lambert

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Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) looks to throw a pass during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

As the halfway point of the 2015 college football season approaches, the time is coming for the NFL draft buzz to really start picking up.  Nowhere will the talk be louder and more heated than around the quarterbacks.  To date as many as four names have been considered worthy of 1st round discussion, but like last year there seems to be a significant separation between the two at the top and the rest of the pack.

Jared Goff of Cal has led from opening day.  A tall, lanky passer he throws with a ton of accuracy at all levels of the field, he has put together some really good games this season and has the added benefit of coming from a school that recently produced Aaron Rodgers.

Christian Hackenberg of Penn State was considered the favorite in most draft circles to go first next year.  Based on his size, physical ability, and poise from inside the pocket he has the classic look of an NFL quarterback.  Unfortunately the numbers haven’t backed that up as he endures protection and scheme issues with the Nittany Lions.

However, things could be changing soon.

While he did have some nice throws on the night, it was an all-around ugly affair for Jared Goff.  Going against a good Utah team with a solid defense, the Cal quarterback failed to play under control.  Too often he was trying to force the ball into tight windows and everybody knows that’s asking for trouble.  He was intercepted five times overall his undefeated streak in 2015 ended at 5-1.

Meanwhile, Hackenberg unveiled a new dimension to his game a lot of people didn’t know he had.

In addition to having an efficient 262 yards and two touchdowns through the air, the junior quarterback also had 21 yards rushing and two more touchdowns.  He’s no Michael Vick to be sure but it was the first real proof that Hackenberg is not a statue back there.  He’s mobile enough to keep plays alive and get first downs, which only adds value to his already strong draft stock.

Though knee-jerk reactions are often frowned upon, it’s safe to say Goff supporters should be nervous about this changing of the winds.

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