Christian Hackenberg on Los Angeles Rams’ Radar?

Now that the combine is officially over, the speculation regarding where players will eventually land in the NFL draft begins to ramp up to another level.  While many will debate just how much a combine performance really hurts or helps most players in the eyes of the actual NFL teams, there is no doubt that the combine can certainly bring both positive and negative attention from fans and the media.

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As is often the case, a lot of attention has been paid to the quarterback position.  Heading into the combine Carson Wentz, Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch were all seen as first-round talent.  While some may have altered their draft order, it is safe to say these guys are all still seen as locks to go early.

Despite the fact the organization has publicly stated their confidence in Case Keenum as the starting quarterback, there are still those that believe the Los Angeles Rams are one of those teams that will take a long look at one of these quarterback prospects.

But is it possible the Rams, while interested in a quarterback, might not be considering one of the obvious options discussed above?  According to Matt Miller, NFL Lead writer at Bleacher Report, the Rams may be considering Penn State Quarterback Christian Hackenberg with their first round draft pick.

While on the surface, this pick would be a bit of a shock to most Rams fans, there are some arguments behind why a team like the Rams might consider such a move if QB truly is the direction they would like to go in the draft.

First, there is a very good chance the top QBs may all be gone by the time the Rams step up to the podium with pick number fifteen.  One of the most common deficiencies found in teams at the top of the draft is a lack of performance at the QB position.  There are teams like San Francisco and Cleveland that have real questions at quarterback, while there are also teams like Philadelphia that may be in the market for a QB as well depending on what happens with their attempts to resign Sam Bradford.

Christian Hackenberg has dropped down many draft boards after disappointing seasons in 2014 and 2015.  But his performance in 2013 had many considering him to be one of the top QB prospects in the country.  Was his drop off a result of the coaching switch and subsequent offensive scheme change at Penn State?  Was it the poor offensive line play?  Or was his performance in 2014 and 2015 simply a result of teams being given time to learn and exploit his weaknesses?

There is no doubt his has shown issues with accuracy, and his performance at the combine this year did little to convince teams that those accuracy concerns are a thing of the past.  That being said, the arm strength is there and the ideal NFL size is there as well at 6’4″ and 225 lbs.

To add more intrigue to the situation is the fact that the Houston Texans, badly in need of their own upgrade at quarterback, are coached by the very man that helped lead Christian Hackenberg to his most successful season in college.  Is it possible that Bill O’Brien might be interested in a reunion in the NFL?

If the Texans are sold on Hackenberg, it is very likely that they move on him with their first round pick.  This means the Rams, if also sold, would not have the luxury of waiting until later in the draft to consider him.

Given the Rams history, a move like this seems very unlikely.  This would be a big risk taken at a position where the Rams have often looked to take the safe route under Jeff Fisher.  All that being said, this rumor shows just how unpredictable the NFL can be this time of year.  It also gives Rams fans another name to keep an eye on moving forward.  Again, is it like he would be drafted by Los Angeles in the first round?  No.  But might he be an option the Rams seriously consider later in the draft if remains on the board?  Crazier things have happened.