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Houston Texans: 2016 NFL mock draft

By Josh Criswell

Aug 20, 2014; Englewood, CO, USA; General view of Houston Texans helmet during scrimmage against the Denver Broncos at the Broncos Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2014; Englewood, CO, USA; General view of Houston Texans helmet during scrimmage against the Denver Broncos at the Broncos Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) drops back to pass against the Boston College Eagles during the first quarter in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) drops back to pass against the Boston College Eagles during the first quarter in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2: Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg entered 2015 as a dark horse potential No. 1 draft pick, continuing to ride the wave of an impressive freshman campaign in 2013. After an underwhelming junior season, his draft stock has taken a major hit.

Hackenberg established himself as a top quarterback prospect for the 2016 NFL Draft as a true freshman, when he passed for 2,955 yards, 20 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. His statistics took a downward turn in 2014 where he compiled an abysmal 12:15 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His numbers have been nowhere near that bad this season, but a handful of poor performances during losing efforts has caused concern among NFL scouts.

Hackenberg has recorded a respectable touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2015, throwing 16 touchdowns to just five picks. The timing of his interceptions have been worrisome, however, with all but one occurring during a trio of Penn State losses.

There is no doubt that Hackenberg will be a project for whichever NFL team selects him. But despite his struggles during the past two seasons, there is optimism that the strong-armed quarterback could thrive under Texans head coach Bill O’Brien.

Hackenberg experienced the best year of his collegiate career while playing for O’Brien in 2013, when the latter served as Penn State’s head coach before taking over in Houston prior to the 2014 season.

And while a lack of consistency, mechanical problems and issues related to accuracy are legitimate causes for concern, his throwing velocity and 6-foot-4, 228 pound frame provide plenty of upside.

Next: Round 3: Arkansas running back Alex Collins

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