Penn State Connections Could Lead Hackenberg to Buffalo

After the first round of the NFL Draft, Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg is still on draft boards across the country. After teams passed on him in the first round, the speculation grows to where the former top quarterback could land Friday evening.

A location that makes too much sense at this point would be the Buffalo Bills.

The glaring reasoning lies behind one man: Terry Pegula. The new owner of the Buffalo Bills has incredibly strong connections to Penn State. An alumnus of the university, Pegula donated $102 million to bring a world-class hockey arena to Happy Valley. Pegula’s name graces the arena that is just a stone’s throw away from where Christian Hackenberg played in Beaver Stadium.

The Bills have an obvious need at the quarterback position as well. Tyrod Taylor was a hail mary move by Rex Ryan that turned out decent, but Taylor is not a long-term option as a starting NFL quarterback.

Former first round pick EJ Manuel has also proven he is not fit to compete long-term in the NFL since being drafted out of Florida State.

Buffalo has shown strong interest in Hackenberg throughout this draft process. While most scouts at the Penn State pro day were watching low-end players attempt the vertical leap, Bills Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman was chatting with Hackenberg in the back of the field.

When I attended the Pro Day, I was able to get this picture of Roman and Hackenberg during the vertical workouts.

The connections between owner Terry Pegula and Christian Hackenberg are just far too strong to ignore. The Bills have the obvious need for a quarterback and are showing strong interest in the former Nittany Lion.

If I were a betting man, I’d say Christian Hackenberg is going to be wearing blue once again.