Niner Noise
FanSided

2016 NFL Draft: 49ers’ Big Board for Quarterbacks

By Bryan Knowles

Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium. California won 55-36. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium. California won 55-36. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Third Rounders

With players drafted this late, you’re not expecting a starter right away. These are players who definitely would have to sit for a year or two, gaining experience and learning the system—but still with the potential to step in and become a starter on their rookie deal.

Christian Hackenberg, Penn State

There was a point when Hackenberg was considered a potential first-overall pick in the draft, but his junior season at Penn State didn’t go very well. His uneven performance saw him drop below 55 percent a completion percentage—his accuracy and inconsistent ball placement is a real red flag. He has a tendency to overthrow players, and he needs to improve his touch throws.

All that being said, he is a fantastic vertical passer, excelling at hitting the deep outs and comebacks that lead to big plays on the NFL level. An optimistic appraisal would say that his poor accuracy numbers have something to do with the low quality of his receivers and offensive line and that, with some seasoning and more talent around him, he could excel.

Jacoby Brissett, North Carolina State

Jacoby Brissett has an NFL-caliber arm. He has a wide variety of velocity on his throws for different situations, able to drive the ball into tight windows or float the ball out on screens as the situation requires. That arm, plus his experience playing out of a pro-style set under center, is going to get him a lot of long, hard looks on draft day.

Brissett needs more seasoning, however. He panics a little bet under pressure, with dancing feet and poor mechanics—this is in large part thanks to the horrid offensive line he was working behind. He has an almost Tebow-esque habit of carrying the ball low and unprotected, which could lead to fumbles. He locks into pre-snap reads and fails to spot open receivers deep. These are all correctable issues, but he’s going to need a little work before he’s ready for primetime.

Next: Early Day Three Picks