2016 NFL Draft: Way Too Early Mock for San Francisco 49ers, Version 1.0B
By Peter Panacy
Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) attempts to pass the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the 2nd half game of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2: Own Pick
Selection: QB Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
OK, so the 49ers are still going to need a franchise quarterback after passing on prospects like Cal’s Jared Goff or Michigan State’s Connor Cook. And they’ll find one in Round 2.
Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg will be a nice Day 2 option as he’s slated for the second round per CBS Sports.
Hackenberg is a little raw, needs some mechanical work and struggles under pressure — not good attributes when recalling some of the weaknesses seen by former starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2014-15.
But his positives will be the elements upon which a season under tutelage will be of benefit.
The shortcomings are traits which the 49ers should be able to address and correct while Hackenberg sits on the sidelines for his first season. Despite his woeful performance in Week 14, quarterback Blaine Gabbert still looks like he’ll be starting in 2016.
And Hackenberg will be next in line.
Next: Round 3