2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cade Klubnik (QB – Clemson)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cade Klubnik

Cade Klubnik (QB – Clemson)

6’2″ – 210 lbs.

Background

A five-star recruit out of Westlake High School (Drew Brees) who started one game behind D.J. Uiagalelei as a freshman before taking over the starting role the following year. Went 9-4 in 2023, finishing with 2,844 yards (63.9%, 6.3 YPA), 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, then followed that up with a 10-4 season in 2024, his best campaign and one in which he totaled 3,639 yards (63.4%, 7.5), 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions, adding 119-463-7 (3.9) on the ground. Wasn’t quite able to recapture that magic this past year, going 7-5 with 2,943 yards (65.6%, 7.5), 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Positives

Three-year starter with a 26-14 career record in a scheme that included lots of pro-style elements/throws. A smart quarterback with natural mechanics. Pre-snap recognition skills look good. Sets up with a solid base, avoiding heel clicks at the end of his drops. Avoids overcomplicating plays and is at his best when he’s making rhythm-based throws, getting the ball out with good timing; shows more anticipation than usual for the position. However, also looks comfortable working through progressions and generally makes sound decisions with the football. Shows the confidence to attack relatively tight windows. Has a smooth stroke and a generally high release point that he can drop if needed. Ball placement at the short-to-intermediate level is generally solid, particularly when throwing over the middle of the field. Shows nice touch and the ability to layer throws at the second level. Gets a nice arc on bucket throws, which are very catchable. Shows some ability to manipulate safeties. Shows good flexibility and elusiveness against pressure, and will stand in the pocket and absorb contact to make a throw. Good athlete who can extend the play and complete passes when rolling to his right; was also successfully used on designed runs/options in the past, showing solid speed.

Negatives

Trajectory isn’t pointing up at the moment after a disappointing, inconsistent 2025 campaign. Size is closer to adequate, and doesn’t have the thickest build. Doesn’t seem to maintain his composure/mechanics quite as well as you’d like against pressure. Runs himself into trouble at times. Overall arm talent is closer to adequate; much more of an accurate touch passer than someone who’s going to drive the ball with velocity. Can struggle with placement on his deeper throws, which can flutter/hang at times, and sometimes appears too willing to take shots into tight coverage downfield. 2024 success as a runner didn’t carry over into this past season.

Summary

One of the more natural quarterbacks in the class, he is an effective distributor from a clean pocket, combining an ability to read defenses and make sound decisions with a smooth stroke, impressive touch, and generally good ball placement. However, when facing pressure, his mechanics and decision-making can sometimes suffer, and he doesn’t generate elite velocity, especially when throwing deep. Stock certainly suffered this past season, but looks like he could be an effective quarterback on an offense which blocks well and doesn’t demand too much downfield.

Projection: Round 4