Packers 2016 Draft: Red and Black Dot players on offense

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) tries to pull away from Clemson Tigers safety Jayron Kearse (1). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) tries to pull away from Clemson Tigers safety Jayron Kearse (1). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14). Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14). Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Our “Red Dot” Quarterbacks

Kyle — Christian Hackenberg, Penn State

Hackenberg would definitely not be my red dot player if I needed him to come in and win games right away. That said, the Packers don’t need a starting quarterback. Heck, with Hundley, they don’t even need a backup. So, why Hackenberg? He has the intangibles and the measurable to return to the way he was playing early in his college career. He needs the guidance of good coaching, but he is a dream as a developmental quarterback. Do I think Green Bay takes the Penn State QB? Absolutely not. But if they needed a QB to develop, Christian Hackenberg would be the guy I’d take that shot with.

Dan — Dak Prescott, Mississippi State

I don’t know where Prescott’s best fit is in the NFL, but he’s a tough competitor that stepped up in clutch moments, put the team on his back, and pulled off a lot of wins at Mississippi State. I like his on-field leadership and grit to play through injuries. He also has a strong arm and mobility to hurt defenses with his legs. His game remains raw and he’ll need some development at the next level, but he’s an intriguing prospect to take a chance on in a middle round.

Freddie — Brandon Allen, Arkansas

Despite lacking the desired size, Brandon Allen has the arm and accuracy to work with. There’s enough to like as a developmental prospect that could get him drafted late by the Packers or signed as a free agent. With Brett Hundley the clear backup, Allen could be a nice new member of Mike McCarthy’s quarterback school.

Our “Black Dot” Quarterbacks

Kyle — Vernon Adams, Oregon

I keep hearing Vernon Adams is a third or fourth round player. I don’t see it. Sometimes players get drafted based on who you wish they were, not who you have reason to think they are. With guys like Russell Wilson finding success in the league, teams are willing to take a chance on players with similar traits. My problems with Adams include lack of experience and a rushed development, lack of field vision, accuracy, and ability to get rid of the ball when there is nothing there. I’m just not all that interested in believing the hype.

Dan — Connor Cook, Michigan State

Unlike Prescott, reports have been lukewarm about Cook’s demeanor both in the huddle and in the locker room. From my understanding, it’s not that he’s a bad guy, but he’s just not a natural leader. He has the talent to play the position, but he also melted away in key moments at Michigan State. Many scouts have questioned his passion for the game and have labeled him “entitled”, and at the quarterback position, I’d rather have a hungry prospect with a little less ability that is willing to put in all of the extra hours to learn and grow.

Freddie — Vernon Adams, Oregon

While I love the idea of having a mobile quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers as this would give defenses some completely different to account for, there’s too many concerns with Vernon Adams’ game. He is undersized and is an inconsistent passer.

Next: Red/Black Dot Running Backs