You look at what has happened with Penn State Quarterback Christian Hackenberg this season and you realize that Bill O’Brien, not Marc Trestman is the true “quarterback whisper.” (that’s more praise of B.O.B. than it is slamming Hackenberg)
Still Hackenberg has made a strong regression this season under James Franklin, yet he’s still being hyped up as the greatest thing since sliced bread. Penn State is 12th (out of 14) in passing efficiency and scoring offense. Hackenberg himself is tenth, that’s right 10th! in passing efficiency as he’s thrown for twice as many interceptions (14) as TD passes.
There aren’t many 2016 NFL mock drafts out there, but the very first two that I found had Hackenberg going first overall. They’re both on Walter Football.com. Here’s what the first one had to say, it was published on July 24th.
1. Oakland Raiders: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
It’s way too early to know for sure, but Christian Hackenberg is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, assuming he declares. Hackenberg was terrific as a freshman this past season, and he has great ability and tons of upside. The Raiders will need a franchise signal-caller if Derek Carr flops
Here’s the second, published on October 25th:
1. Buffalo Bills: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
I don’t think E.J. Manuel is going to pan out, but Hackenberg could be the best quarterback prospect to enter the NFL since Andrew Luck.
WalterFootball.com has heard from sources in the NFL that Hackenberg could end up being an elite quarterback prospect and worthy of going first overall. Some feel he could be the best signal-caller in college football as soon as 2015 and end up being a better prospect than either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.
In 2014, Hackenberg has completed 59 percent of his passes for 1,637 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s played better than the numbers indicate as his supporting cast has been huge liability, including an inexperienced offensive line. Through six games, the line has allowed 20 sacks.
Hackenberg (6-4, 234) was the star recruit for Bill O’Brien and proved the hype legitimate during an impressive 2013 season that saw him named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Hackenberg completed 59 percent of his passes for 2,955 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for four touchdowns. Hackenberg has great size, a strong arm, pocket presence and is very advanced in his field vision.
No doubt Christian Hackenberg is the prototypical size for a NFL QB. I have no doubts that he’ll be a high draft pick; eventually. He has the skill set; he may just need to stay all four years. However, he’s not even close to being there yet. There were whispers about issues with his work ethic. You’ve seen on the field all the issues he’s had holding on to the ball way too long, and throwing it the opposing team. Imagine if he faced SEC defenses every week?
Still think he’s #1 overall potential?
He may look like it on Saturday versus a lame duck coach, and even lamer duck defensive coordinator, and an Illini secondary that is over-matched. However, Saturday will be an outlier in the Christian Hackenberg body of work.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and very often writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2