Niner Noise
FanSided

2016 NFL Draft: 49ers Quarterback Big Board

By Jerod Brown

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 12
Next
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg throws a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg throws a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Christian Hackenberg-Penn State

College Statistics

If Vernon Adams scares the 49ers because of his size, Hackenberg is the type of player that Trent Baalke will drool over. He is big–6’4″ and 223 pounds–and he’s started at a high-level college program for the last three years.

He brings leadership qualities and an excellent knowledge of pro-style concepts after beginning his college career with current-Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien.

Hackenberg has the arm strength to compete in the NFL and he is willing to hang in a dirty pocket and complete passes down the field. Whether he is asked to drop back or take a snap out of the shotgun, Hackenberg has shown a versatility in his game that will entice teams to choose him early.

More from Niner Noise

Regardless of when he is drafted, he’ll need at least a year to address some of the laziness that has lead to the mechanical flaws in his game. Hackenberg often demonstrated slow footwork in the pocket and it lead to accuracy issues all over the field, especially in the short game.

Head coach Chip Kelly will expect any quarterback in his offense to excel at quickly delivering accurate passes to the edge for receivers. Hackenberg has not shown that ability consistently on tape. With any quarterback, early development will be absolutely crucial in Hackenberg’s success.

He is not the quarterback that any team would want to immediately name a starter. The 49ers, still in quarterback limbo, will have to move Hackenberg down their board based on the time needed to correct his technique.

Next: Inconsistent Arm Mechanics