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5 perfect NFL fits for Christian Hackenberg

By Charles Rahrig V

Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) celebrates with teammates after intercepting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) (not pictured) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) celebrates with teammates after intercepting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) (not pictured) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens’ failures in 2015 haven’t been because they’re a bad team, but rather the team has suffered a barrage of injuries from the beginning of the season that have set them behind everyone else.

When quarterback Joe Flacco went down with an injury, the Ravens weren’t prepared enough to replace him, which led to Jimmy Clausen starting and then eventually Ryan Mallett, who did do a fine job in the backup quarterback role and may have earned himself a backup gig next year.

With that being said, if the Ravens decide to go with Mallett as the backup in the future behind Flacco instead of Matt Schaub, it wouldn’t hurt to have a project quarterback at the third-strong spot to learn on the bench.

Flacco is only 30 and should have plenty of quarterbacking left in him, which means that would leave ample time for Hackenberg to slowly progress and find his way in the league.

The Ravens have done a nice job of drafting speed at the receiver position in recent drafts and have the weapons to grow with him on offense. Hackenberg has the arm strength to get the ball to those receivers, which would suit him well in the Baltimore offense.

Should Flacco get hurt again in the future, then the team has a quality backup in Mallett to step in and insurance option in Hackenberg. Suddenly, their quarterback stable looks like a solid group for the future.

Next: 1. Houston Texans

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