Scouting Profile: College may have irreparably damaged Christian Hackenberg

Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NFL draft, which takes place April 28-30 in Chicago.

Christian Hackenberg

Position: QB
School: Penn State
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 222 lbs.
Age: 21

NFL player comparison: Ryan Mallett

Mallet possesses all the physical talent in the world, but inconsistent ball placement and apparent poor work ethic caused his NFL career to nosedive. Hackenberg, too, has an enviable skillset, but while lots of things can be taught at the NFL level, accuracy is one of the few skills that passers simply have or don't. Hackenberg and Mallett share the same fatal flaw, and while the former Penn State standout deserves a chance in a friendly system, it's easy to see him following a similar career path.

Draft Projection: Round 3-4

Strengths

• Possesses close to ideal size.
• Three-year starter.
• Has the arm strength to make every throw.
• Played in pro-style offense, which asked a lot from him. Has experience under center and in the shotgun.
• Showed franchise-level potential in 2013.
• Has deep-ball talent, showcasing touch and accuracy, though can be inconsistent and overthrow target.

Weaknesses

• Worked behind a porous offensive line and did little to compensate for it.
• Slow to recognize pressure.
• Lacks the agility to consistently evade rushers, slow feet when moving within the pocket.
• Inexplicably wildly inaccurate at times, missing routine screens and checkdowns.
• Reportedly placed blame on team for struggles during meetings, showing lack of accountability.

Combine Results