In today’s NFL, it’s never too early to speculate on who will go first overall in the draft, even when it’s almost a year away and training camp for the current season hasn’t even started.
PFSN’s Max Dorsey looks into his crystal ball and sees the Cleveland Browns being so bad that they’ll be drafting first overall. However, instead of Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, he sees them grabbing Clemson superstar Cade Klubnik.
Could Cade Klubnik Really Leapfrog Arch Manning for the Top Pick in 2026 NFL Draft?
Dorsey’s reasoning centers on what he sees as Klubnik’s complete skill set and proven production at the college level.
“Clemson’s Cade Klubnik is as good as any signal-caller in the country,” Dorsey writes. “A tad undersized, Klubnik is 6’2″, 205 pounds, but has the arm to make every throw on the field. He’s a creative mover in the pocket and makes things happen out of structure.”
From a stats standpoint, Klubnik broke out in 2024, ringing up 3,639 passing yards, 36 TDs, and six INTs while adding 642 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs. Those numbers put him in elite company among college quarterbacks. So, while the Browns took quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2024 draft, neither player is guaranteed a chance at proving they are “the man” behind center.
Then there’s the issue of Manning. After backing up Quinn Ewers for two years, he is expected to become the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback. However, it’s not a foregone conclusion that he will enter the 2026 draft. In a day and age where college players can earn millions on NIL deals, there’s no longer the urgency to turn pro right away like there was even five years ago.
Manning could easily stay another year to build his resume and cash in on his name recognition. The financial incentive to leave early isn’t what it used to be when top college stars can make seven figures without taking a single NFL hit.
Why Cleveland’s Quarterback Carousel Could Finally Stop with Klubnik
Should Manning return to Austin for another year, Klubnik becomes the unquestioned front-runner to go first overall. If the Browns are there, they’ll take a quarterback. The Watson experience has been disastrous, Flacco would be 41 in 2026, and while Pickett has looked decent in mini-camp, that’s not saying much given Cleveland’s quarterback history.
The Browns have cycled through more quarterbacks than most fans can remember. Watson’s legal troubles and inconsistent play have left the franchise searching for answers. Gabriel and Sanders might develop, but neither shows they can be the long-term solution Cleveland desperately needs.
Klubnik’s closest pro comp is probably Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield. He’s undersized, but he can make all the throws, shows moxie in the pocket, is considered a strong leader in the locker room and the huddle, and can use his athleticism to gain yards on broken plays. That comparison should excite Browns fans who remember Mayfield’s best moments in Cleveland.
If Klubnik can take the next step and become a Heisman candidate while leading Clemson on a deep playoff run, he could find himself at the top of the draft heap. However, he would be expected to quickly take an NFL team from the bottom of the heap. That’s a tall order for any rookie, especially one stepping into the pressure cooker, which is Cleveland’s quarterback situation.