Christian Hackenberg to Jets: Twitter Reacts as QB Is Selected in 2016 NFL Draft

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg had the makings of a first-round NFL draft prospect after a strong true freshman season. However, a Nittany Lions coaching change from Bill O'Brien to James Franklin and his declining performance in the two years since clouded Hackenberg's forecast for the pros. 

The New York Jets weren't shy to invest in his potential on Friday, selecting the 21-year-old with the 51st overall pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Twitter had plenty to say about the first signal-caller off the board on Day 2—and little of it was positive.

NFL.com's Michael Fabiano didn't believe acquiring Hackenberg was a surefire remedy for the Jets' issues under center:

Josh Norris of Rotoworld was confused as to how New York would handle its other young QB, Bryce Petty, who was a fourth-round pick in 2015:

NBC Sports' Patrick Daugherty cited recent draft history to put Hackenberg's slot in context:

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco was among the few with high praise for Hackenberg:

Here's the best of the rest:

"

Christian Hackenberg is that one amazing 7 iron approach you hit in 2002 that has you convinced you can be a scratch golfer.

— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) April 30, 2016"

At February's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Hackenberg looked the part of an NFL QB when he measured in at 6'4" and 223 pounds.

Although his arm strength is undeniable and his experience in a pro-style offense is a plus, Hackenberg completed only 53.5 percent of his passes in 2015 with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. He threw for 12 TDs and 15 interceptions the year before after a 20-10 ratio as a freshman.

Prisco previously cautioned those who put a lot of weight on Hackenberg's perceived accuracy issues:

But the physical and mental toll Hackenberg endured amid his struggles at Penn State may hinder his adjustment to the NFL—and no one deemed him worthy of a Day 1 draft selection.

"Is he already damaged goods? Or was his development just stunted a little bit?" asked CBS Sports draft expert Dane Brugler of Hackenberg (h/t the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Megan Ryan). "And once NFL coaches are able to get their hands on him, how will that affect him? He’s just a big wild card because it's hard to say."

247Sports' composite rankings had Hackenberg as the No. 2 pro-style QB from the class of 2013. The former 5-star recruit had the likes of current Jacksonville Jaguars star Allen Robinson to throw to in his first year at Penn State.

Unfortunately, Hackenberg was plagued by lackluster talent and poor pass protection as a sophomore and junior.

That isn't to say certain decision-making, his mechanics and statistics that paled in comparison to his talent left Hackenberg bereft of blame. However, there's plenty for teams to be intrigued by, which makes him such a draft wild card—especially given the importance of the position he plays.

Bleacher Report draft expert Matt Miller had Hackenberg as his fourth-rated QB and 100th player overall in this draft class. Meanwhile, The MMQB's Peter King reported Monday that some people in the NFL believed the Buffalo Bills would consider Hackenberg at No. 19 overall.

With the proper number of weapons around him and decent blocking, there's a chance Hackenberg could be a pleasant surprise—and could see considerable playing time far sooner than expected.

The Jets have big-bodied, proven receivers in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker to help Hackenberg out. They also have a core in place that won 10 games last season.

With Geno Smith and Petty as the other QBs on New York's roster, Hackenberg has a somewhat realistic opportunity to start as a rookie since the Jets have yet to agree to terms with free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported New York plans to sit Hackenberg and anticipates bringing back last year's starter, Fitzpatrick, on a one-year contract. Time will tell whether Fitzpatrick and the Jets ultimately reunite for the 2016 campaign.