Penn State football: Bonus photos from the thrilling Pinstripe Bowl win

Penn State offensive coordinator John Donovan and quarterback Christian Hackenberg embrace after the 31-30 overtime win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl held at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2014. Joe Hermitt, PennLive

(JOE HERMITT)

The Big Ten has the three best quarterbacks eligible for the 2016 NFL draft, including Penn State's Christian Hackenberg who checks in at No. 3 overall, according to an early list compiled by WalterFootball.com. Michigan State's Connor Cook claimed the top spot, followed by Ohio State national championship winner Cardale Jones, who turned down NFL overtures this winter to return for his redshirt junior season.



Cook enters his redshirt senior season as one of the "cleanest" prospects in the draft with above-average marks in arm strength, accuracy and instincts. He also stands at 6-4 and 218 pounds and owns a 23-3 career record in two seasons as a starter. With another productive season in the Spartans' offense, Cook should make a strong case for a first-round pick.



Jones is a case study on seizing a moment to showcase his considerable talent. He stepped in for injured J.T. Barrett to lead Ohio State to postseason wins over Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon. Though in just a three-game sample, Jones showed NFL arm strength and mobility, and he was a load to bring down in the pocket. Two big questions loom, though: Can Jones win the starting job in 2015? And if so, can he build on his redshirt sophomore success?



Hackenberg was proof that instant success can be difficult to repeat, though the Nittany Lions' signal-caller had plenty of reasons behind his sophomore struggles. His offensive line was rebuilt and inexperienced. His playbook was new and limited because of constant pressure, and his cast of playmakers was brand new after dynamic, reliable wideout Allen Robinson left early for the NFL.



But Hackenberg's elite physical talent was still apparent as he threw for 2,977 yards with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. If anything, he added durability to a set of skills that already included an elite arm, advanced understanding of the position and poise under pressure. Hackenberg proved his toughness by absorbing 44 sacks last season, most in the Big Ten and seventh-most nationally.



Hackenberg will be a true junior in 2015, so his jump to the NFL is far from a sure thing. A big season could all but make the decision for him, but he needs help from an improved offensive line and better overall performances by the playmakers around him. If that happens, Hackenberg could make a strong case as the No. 1 quarterback overall.



Coach James Franklin is surely bracing for all scenarios with Hackenberg as he continues to add much-needed quarterback depth to a position that was hit hard through transfers and NCAA sanctions.

Steven Bench, Tyler Ferguson and Michael O'Connor have all transferred over the last three offseasons, leaving redshirt freshman Trace McSorley and true freshman Tommy Stevens as the only quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart. Four-star prospect Jake Zembiec is committed to Franklin in the 2016 recruiting class.