Niner Noise
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2016 NFL Scouting Combine: Post-Combine Risers & Fallers

By Jerod Brown

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Quarterbacks get instructions on workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Quarterbacks get instructions on workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) scrambles out of the pocket as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Carroll Phillips (6) defends during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) scrambles out of the pocket as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Carroll Phillips (6) defends during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Christian Hackenberg-Quarterback-Penn State

Depending on who you talk to, Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg could be just outside of the top-5 quarterbacks in this class or he could go undrafted.

The inconsistencies with Hackenberg’s performance in college, and the Scouting Combine as well, will leave teams wondering exactly how to evaluate him.

Fortunately, on this list, Hackenberg finds himself in the category of riser.

Hackenberg’s best trait is his strong arm. In fact, it is one of the strongest in the entire draft. When asked who has the strongest arm in the class, Bleacher Report NFL Lead Draft Analyst Matt Miller mentioned the Penn State QB just behind Ohio State’s Cardale Jones.

Aside from his strong arm, Hackenberg put together a very impressive freshman year as a quarterback in Houston Texan’s head coach Bill O’Brien’s system. After the Scouting Combine, Hackenberg might be hoping the Texans are the team to draft him.

During his time at Penn State, Hackenberg saw major transition from the fallout of the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal. The school, rightfully, lost scholarships and the top-notch program has seen a decline in the years following the punishments. Hackenberg decided to continue to compete at Penn State despite the coaching changes and restrictions.

That experience, for both better and worse, has prepared Hackenberg as an NFL quarterback.

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In a class with Cal quarterback Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, Hackenberg was never going to look particularly good throwing. He has a strong arm but is undeveloped as a complete passer. He’s still young–only recently turned 21 years old–and has ideal size at 6’4” and 223 pounds. As he develops, he’ll be able to put a little more weight on to withstand NFL hits.

Hackenberg is likely seen on the edge of the second-tier of quarterbacks in this draft. He realistically shouldn’t be drafted until Round 3 but a quarterback-needy team might select him even sooner.

Hackenberg’s a riser on this list based on the unimpressive performances of just about every other quarterback not named Goff or Wentz. If the 49ers decide to wait on a quarterback, they might believe Hackenberg is the man for the job.

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