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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition

By Dani Bostick

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) drops back to pass against the Boston College Eagles during the second quarter in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Penn State defeated Boston College 31-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) drops back to pass against the Boston College Eagles during the second quarter in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Penn State defeated Boston College 31-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

12. player. 53. . QB. Penn State. Christian Hackenberg

The Browns have to have the worst draft luck in the entire league. Their two first round picks from 2014 haven’t panned out the way they had hoped, with Johnny Manziel struggling (though improving), and Justin Gilbert injured, in legal trouble due to a road rage incident, and underperforming.

After drafting a quarterback in the first round in 2014, it is nearly preposterous that they would be in need of a quarterback so soon, especially with Josh McCown on the roster. He isn’t a tremendous talent, but his presence indicates the team has been scrambling desperately to find a quarterback to propel them out of mediocrity.

Though the Browns are ranked 21 in the latest power rankings, I believe they could end up ranked lower at the end of the season and get an earlier draft pick. In that case, both Goff and Cook could be attractive options for the team.

Sticking to the scenario at hand, however, Christian Hackenberg could be their best option. Still, Hackenberg is a bit of a wild card. He had an absolutely horrendous game against Temple, in which he was sacked 10 times, completed 11 of 25 passes for a meager 103 yards and threw no touchdowns.

With a horrible offensive line, it is hard to tell what Hackenberg is capable of. Football is a team sport, and without the support of his line, there isn’t too much he can do. Still, he shows tremendous promise due to his size, arm strength, and pocket presence (when he has a pocket).

The offensive scheme at Penn State is designed to accommodate glaring weaknesses and deficiencies. With a scheme suited to his abilities and an offensive line, he could have potential in the NFL. The Browns offensive line has floundered a bit this season, but has the talent– including several Pro Bowlers)– to be a functional unit.

The Browns aren’t afraid to take chances, and if Manziel continues to disappoint, the team will once again be in the market for a quarterback. Hackenberg could be their guy.

Next: No. 13 San Francisco 49ers

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