Christian Hackenberg: Latest News, Rumors and Buzz Surrounding QB's Draft Stock

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg is among the 2016 NFL draft's most intriguing prospects, and he is generating some interest during the predraft process because of his raw ability.

Continue for updates.

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Gruden Weighs In on Hackenberg

Tuesday, April 19

ESPN.com's Jon Gruden stated he would be "shocked" if Hackenberg was not selected in the first round:

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The biggest surprise to me on Hackenberg is that no one is really talking about him in the first round. This was the No. 1 prospect in the nation a few years ago and someone who showed during his freshman year he could produce at a high level in a true NFL-style offense. What he showed during that first year at Penn State -- before the coaching change, before the system change, before all the things that derailed him -- would be enough for me to take this guy early. This man can run a 4.7-second 40, he is tough as hell and he works relentlessly. He just has to get in the right system with the right people and refocus on the small details.

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Hackenberg Linked to Cowboys

Monday, April 4

ESPN.com's Todd Archer reported that Hackenberg will visit with the Dallas Cowboys this week.

Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 reported on March 31 that the Cowboys put Hackenberg through a workout on March 30. Albert Breer of NFL Network also noted Hackenberg had dinner with the team on March 29.

Tony Romo missed much of the 2015 season due to collarbone injuries, and with the veteran signal-caller on the verge of turning 36, Dallas would be wise to consider future options at the position.

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Hackenberg to Work Out for Eagles

Thursday, March 31

Adam Caplan of ESPN reported Hackenberg will visit with the Philadelphia Eagles, noting the quarterback's workout is "expected to take place next week." Breer later noted the workout will take place April 8.

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Hackenberg Failed to Live Up to Hype at Penn State

Hackenberg arrived at PSU amid plenty of fanfare, and while he acquitted himself well as a freshman, he never built upon his debut campaign statistically.

The 6'4" native of Palmyra, Virginia, completed just 53.5 percent of his passes in 2015 for 2,525 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.

He entered the campaign as a candidate to solidify a spot in the first round, but now, his stock is in question.

Per Robert Klemko of The MMQB, he may have damaged his credibility even more during the predraft interview process by reportedly blaming Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin for his shortcomings.

That led to this comment from an anonymous NFL talent evaluator: "Despite the fact that it's probably true, you don't want to hear a kid say that."

ESPN NFL analyst and former Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday was among those who reacted negatively to Hackenberg's reported criticism of Franklin, according to ESPN's Russillo and Kanell on Twitter:

It is fair to say that nobody is quite sure what Hackenberg's ceiling is even after three years of starting for a major collegiate program.

ESPN's Bomani Jones wondered if Hackenberg truly has what it takes to be a great quarterback, or if he is simply the byproduct of being overhyped:

Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook appear to be the cream of the quarterback crop in 2016, but there is certainly room for someone to emerge right behind them.

Hackenberg could be that guy based purely on his skill set; however, it didn't translate to much on-field success at Penn State.

It seems likely that a team will take a chance on his talent at some point in the draft, though, and if he is able to sit and learn for at least a couple of seasons, perhaps he can start to realize his potential after being tested immediately at PSU.

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