Christian Hackenberg

touch, placement and decision-making.

--Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) (2/16/16)

deer in headlights when blitzed - often sees it coming, but doesn't make the proper adjustments pre- or post-snap. played behind a shaky offensive line (sacked 103 times in his career), but too many of those hits were of his own doing, holding the ball too long and clamming up under pressure.

Quick-footed athlete for his size, but won't routinely evade pressures with a bad habit of retreating and getting lost. Ball security needs improved (17 career fumbles). Didn't miss a game in college, but missed the second half of his final game in January due to a sprained right shoulder - not considered serious, but needs cleared. Completion percentage dropped each season.

although he has special arm talent, the tape shows flawed decision-making, poor pocket awareness and streaky accuracy due to unstable mechanics. there is no question that hackenberg will benefit from nfl coaching, but the game still moves at light speed for him and hasn't shown signs of slowing down - is he already damaged goods?

Overall, the physical traits and arm strength are ideal for the NFL, but Hackenberg doesn't show a natural feel for the game and lacks a strong grasp in three critical areas of playing the position

weaknesses

Nonexistent feel or awareness in the pocket, struggling to navigate himself around the noise. Slow to process and late reading coverages due to questionable vision. Immature eye use, staring down targets and predetermining throws, which leads to inexplicable decisions.

in our view

A three-year starter, Hackenberg had a promising freshman campaign in 2013 under the guidance of Bill O'Brien, but his development regressed with the new coaching staff the past two seasons. He didn't receive much help from his surroundings the past two years with questionable play-calling, inconsistent weapons and a leaky offensive line, but Hackenberg deserves plenty of blame as well.

strengths

Ideal physical build and height for the position. Loose and live arm to rip lasers with above average velocity and zip. Effortless deep ball thrower and able to make throws other quarterbacks are physically unable to make. Toughness isn't a question with the size to take consistent punishment and bounce back.

compares to

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears -- Players with power arms and well-built frames, Hackenberg and Cutler have similar strengths, but also similar question marks as inconsistent ball placement and pocket awareness can limit their pro ceilings.

wasn't consistently asked to make whole field reads or work sideline-to-sideline in his progressions. confidence needs rebuilt. too relaxed and needs to show more urgency from snap to release.

Highly inconsistent ball placement and downfield touch, struggling to control his ball speeds. Upper and lower half mechanics are often on different pages, affecting his overall accuracy. Doesn't need to drive his hips to add zip on throws, but improved follow through motion will help his precision. Methodical set-up and delivery, but often out of rhythm.

quick-footed athlete for his size to easily move in the pocket or stretch his legs and throw from different platforms. clean footwork in his three-, five- and seven-step drops. experienced taking snaps under center with pro-style concepts. two-year team captain (second youngest player to be elected captain in school history) and viewed as a leader in the locker room.

Well-respected on campus, especially for the way he handled adversity with the sanctions (helped keep the 2013 recruiting class together) and the struggles with the coaching change. Durable and didn't miss a start the last three seasons (21-17 record as a starter).

An Under Armour All-American, rated as the top pocket passing quarterback in the nation during his senior season at Fork Union Military Academy

Played for head coach Mickey Sullivan

Led the Blue Devils to the 2010 VISAA Division I State Championship as a sophomore and a state runner-up finish as a senior in 2012

VISAA Division I first-team all-state performer as a senior

Was invited to The Opening, an all-star summer prospect camp held on the Nike campus

Was a 2012 Elite 11 Finalist

Threw for 5,473 yards, tossing 55 touchdowns and completing more than 50 percent of his passes, playing three years at Fork Union

As a senior, threw for 2,144 yards and 24 touchdowns, while also rushing for 436 yards and three scores

Tallied 2,164 yards passing and 171 completions during his junior season with 20 touchdown passes

Threw for 1,165 yards and 11 scores as a sophomore

Rated as a five-star recruit by Scout.com and Rivals.com and a four-star recruit by ESPN.com

Also played basketball and baseball at Fork Union.

Full name is Christian Blaize Hackenberg

Son of Erick and Nicole Hackenberg

Has three younger brothers, Brandon, Adam and Drue

Father played football at Virginia and Susquehanna University and played in the Big 33 Classic

Mother was an All-Patriot League volleyball player at Lehigh

Both parents were inducted into the Marian High School Hall of Fame in Tamaqua, Pa

.Enjoys hunting and fishing

Enrolled in the College of Communications

Born February 14, 1995 in Lehighton, Pa.

2015