2016 NFL Draft Player Comparisons: The Quarterbacks
By Erik Lambert
Oct 24, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) pressured by Maryland Terrapins lineman Brett Kulka (96) and lineman Yannick Ngakoue (7) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Hackenberg (Penn State)
George: Jay Cutler – Good arm strength and throws a good ball, but can be sporadic at times. Like Cutler, Hackenberg can move around but you wouldn’t call him a mobile quarterback. Hackenberg is going to be the guy who determines the entire draft this year because he could go anywhere from 1st overall to 40th. I’d bet on the first option.
Me: Blake Bortles – There is nothing physically wrong with Hackenberg. Like Bortles, he is almost a poster boy for an NFL talent from arm strength to size to solid mobility in and out of the pocket. However, they both often struggled under pressure and against top competition.
Connor Cook (Michigan State)
Jonah: Andy Dalton – I see a lot of Dalton in Connor Cook. He has one of the stronger arms in this class as well being able to place the ball anywhere on the field when given a clean pocket. Cook will see ghosts in the pocket on occasion, and this is where you will see his bad side, similar to “bad Andy”.
Joe: Alex Smith – Connor Cook could transition into an Alex Smith type. Nothing gamebreaking that I love from him, but would not be surprised one bit to see him turn into a decent game-manager in the NFL. Low ceiling, high floor.
Me: Eli Manning – No, I don’t regret making this comparison. Like Manning, Connor Cook is well-versed in a pro-style offense, has won a lot of games and has a growing reputation for playing his best in big moments. Also, he shares the frequent issues with accuracy and decision-making.
Next: Jones and Wentz