Christian Hackenberg Still Belongs in NFL Draft’s First Round
In May of 2015, the NFL Draft was just finishing up and people quickly began to pull a name out as the stud of next years class. The most hyped-up name was Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg, who was entering his junior season and third year as the Nittany Lions starter. Under Bill O’Brien the freshman Hackenberg thrived. Being coached under Tom Brady’s former offensive coordinator, the true freshman from Virginia lead a scandal-ridden team with nearly 3,000 passing yards a 2/1 TD/INT ratio, and an 8-4 record. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and received True Freshman All-American honors.
On New Years Eve, Bill O’Brien accepted the Houston Texans Head Coach position, meaning Hackenberg would be entering his sophomore season under essentially his fourth head coach. He was recruited by Joe Paterno, led under an interim head coach following Paterno’s firing, recorded a historic freshman season under O’Brien, and was now forced to settle and learn a new system from Vanderbilt Head Coach James Franklin.
Now, James Franklin is a terrific recruiter and he has great respect for everyone he works with. Unfortunately for Christian Hackenberg, Franklin and his staff’s offense is based around moving the quarterback around and setting up the pass with the run. While Hackenberg’s athleticism helps, he’s no Mariota. Not to mention the Penn State offensive line was losing leaders and failing to replenish under the Sandusky sanctions. The 19-year old was the big man on campus with almost no scholarship-worthy help around him.
In his first year with James Franklin, Hackenberg struggled to get the ball out and stay on his feet. His offensive line became a turnstile and his receivers were dropping balls left and right. All of which can be correlated to the lack of scholarship players around him. Not to mention the offense not fitting his abilities. Offensive Coordinator John Donovan provided Hackenberg little help and the sophomore was left to fail in many situations. To his credit, he never took a play off, no matter how battered and bruised he became.
Sep 26, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks on the sideline during the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated San Diego State 37-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
With all the hype of the NFL Draft hanging over his head, Hackenberg entered his second season under James Franklin and John Donovan. While the offensive line was still a work in progress and the drops by his receivers were still abundant, Hackenberg recovered from his sluggish sophomore season and cut down his turnovers by two/thirds. He also became Penn State’s all-time passing yards leader by over 2,000 yards, as well as their all-time touchdowns leader.
Through all of the sanctions, coaching changes, and lack of talent Hackenberg stood tough and made the throws needed to play in the NFL. He has by far the strongest arm in this years class and I will argue till the day I die he is the toughest among them. I’ve watched the kid from the stands for three years and I’ve never seen someone take such a beating and still be able to do what he does. His pocket presence has improved and he’s learned how to use his legs to his advantage. While the accuracy is still a work in progress, the improvement is clear.
Take a look at Hackenberg’s game tape from the 2015 Illinois game. You can see the arm strength and athleticism on full display in what was one of his best games of the year. Also take notice of that offensive line play and the multiple drops on third down.
What would be a match made in heaven is for Hackenberg to reunite with Bill O’Brien in Houston. O’Brien clearly put drafting a quarterback on hold last year and filled the gap with some placeholders for the time being. Houston hasn’t had a franchise quarterback since Matt Schaub, and we all know how that ended up. Houston will have a pick somewhere in the middle of the first round, and if Hackenberg has a successful bowl game against Georgia and excels at the Combine, I can see him donning the Texans jersey on April 28th.
Dec 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) walks off the field following the game against the Boston College Eagles in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Hackenberg was named the games Most Valuable Player. Penn State defeated Boston College 31-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Right now, Hackenberg is awaiting an evaluation from the NFL Draft Evaluators, who will give him advice on whether or not to declare this year. With Offensive Coordinator John Donovan now out at Happy Valley after two horrible seasons of play-calling (cheers from my fellow Nittany Lions) and the same drop-heavy receivers around him, Hackenberg may be forced into the NFL. It would be a tragedy to see him turn into the next Matt Barkley and completely fall off the draft radar.
Ultimately, Christian Hackenberg belongs in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has the strongest arm, the athleticism to extend plays, and the toughness to handle the beatings of the NFL. This kid is truly special and it was an honor to watch him live for three years.
RELEASE THE HACKEN!