Cade Klubnik | Clemson | 6’2”, 207 lbs | Age 22

Cade Klubnik was drafted by the New York Jets, becoming the 5th quarterback selection overall after being taken with the 110th pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Klubnik completed a productive career at Clemson as a three-year starter, appearing in 49 total games and starting 40. Over his collegiate career, he accounted for 11,001 total yards (10,123 passing and 878 rushing) and was responsible for 90 total touchdowns. In 2024, Klubnik had his best statistical season, also showcasing some dual-threat ability with over 400 net rushing yards and seven touchdowns. In his final season in 2025, his production saw a slight decline as he completed 257-of-392 passes (65.6%) for 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Despite this dip, he finished his career with a solid 64.0% completion rate and a reputation for ball security.

FILM

Klubnik is a mobile rhythm passer who excels in spread systems utilizing RPO and play-action concepts. He displays a quick, compact throwing motion and the ability to throttle his ball speed to layer throws effectively over second-level defenders. Scouts noted his composure in the pocket and his willingness to fight through contact when he decides to use his legs.

When forced out of structure or beyond his first read, his field vision becomes average, and he struggles to succeed at a high rate off-platform. He often trusts pre-snap looks too heavily, leading to delayed reads when coverage rotates post-snap. His accuracy numbers across the field have been inconsistent, though this is partially mitigated by a high drop count from his receivers. 

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik | 2026 NFL Draft Tape

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ATHLETIC TESTING

Klubnik showcased straight-line speed at his Clemson Pro Day, clocking a 4.65-second 40-yard dash. This time would have tied him for the 5th-fastest among all quarterbacks at the previous year’s NFL Combine. While he possesses adequate size, some scouts suggest he could still add bulk to his 207-pound frame to better handle NFL physicality.

DRAFT ANALYSIS

• Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Average (4th round, 110th overall)
• Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Above Average (New York Jets)

The Jets made a move during the draft to acquire, moving from 128 to 110. This landing spot is ideal for a developmental prospect: Klubnik will not be thrown to the wolves and will instead sit behind veteran Geno Smith. Learning under Smith provides Klubnik the time to refine his mechanics and processing speed without the pressure of immediate starts. Although not facing lofty expectations, there is certainly an opportunity with the Jets to see early playing time, as they have had to use backup quarterbacks for multiple games in the past few years. With no franchise quarterback on the roster, Klubnik has a chance to make an impression ahead of next year’s stronger crop at quarterback.

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Klubnik is a quintessential taxi squad stash in Dynasty Superflex leagues. His rushing baseline (17 career collegiate rushing TDs) provides a fantasy floor that pure pocket passers lack, but his fourth-round draft capital means he has no immediate job security. Managers should view him as a long-term project whose stock will rise if he shows improvement in full-field progressions during preseason play. Because the Jets have a one-year deal with Smith and are already looking toward the 2027 class, Klubnik’s window to prove himself as the QB of the future may be short. He is worth a look in the late 3rd or early 4th round of rookie drafts for teams that can afford to wait.

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