QB3 is very much up for debate in this year’s NFL Draft class. While Fernando Mendoza is widely viewed as QB1 and Ty Simpson as QB2, the next name off the board could come from a crowded tier of contenders. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik is firmly in that mix.
Klubnik entered the draft cycle with first-round buzz, but a turbulent season cooled some of that momentum and caused his stock to slide. The NFL Combine now presents a key opportunity to regain traction.
Cade Klubnik’s Scouting Report and NFL Draft Projection
Here is Klubnik’s scouting report from PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Giving an overall portfolio, “Cade Klubnik is a former five-star recruit and historic high school producer, who grew to become one of the more prolific passers in college football. His senior season was a notable regression, however, that saw him put up inconsistent film as a processor and field general down-over-down.”
Talking about his stature, “At 6’2″, 210 pounds, he’s not quite the big-armed prototypical passer you’d expect in contention for early-round capital, but he’s nonetheless a very compelling talent.”
Summing up his abilities, “At his best, he’s an electric point guard-style passer in the mold of Bo Nix, with dynamic athleticism, universal off-platform throwing ability, and endless arm angle freedom. However, his abundance of physical talent is marred by a lack of consistent post-snap discernment, field vision, and anticipation, and his situational accuracy took a step back in 2025.”
About his draft prospect, “Klubnik still holds mid-round appeal as an ideal backup in West Coast-style schemes, but he’s a developmental QB in the mental category, who might not get the development he needs at the next level. Nevertheless, if he can expand on the flashes of leverage IQ and spatial awareness, he has starting upside.”
In PFSN draft analyst Jacob Infante’s latest mock draft, the New York Jets take the Clemson QB in Round 5 at Pick 178. The Jets have a question mark at the position, so Klubnik could be a good player to take late.
In Klubnik’s four seasons with Clemson, he has thrown for 10,123 yards, 73 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions.
Klubnik could also be a great fit with the Jets coaching staff. They recently hired Frank Reich to be their offensive coordinator. Reich is a former QB, so he could help Klubnik improve his post-snap reads.
Klubnik’s NFL Combine Results
Klubnik only took part in on-field workouts and did not run or jump at the Combine.
Cade Klubnik velocity live at the combine. pic.twitter.com/VysP8kOmGP
— Breaking the QB Code (@Tier1QB) February 28, 2026
- 40-Yard Dash: DNP
- 10-Yard Split: DNP
- Vertical Jump: DNP
- Broad Jump: DNP
- 3-Cone Drill: DNP
- 20-Yard Shuttle: DNP
- Bench Press:
(This section will be updated after Klubnik’s NFL Combine Results are available. Quarterback workouts are at 1 p.m. ET. at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.)
