Rajvir Bal Likes Cade Klubnik Early on in the Process

The name Cade Klubnik has been a hot topic within 2026 NFL Draft circles right off the bat.

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All of these media platforms (and more) have mocked the Clemson quarterback (QB) to go first round (nflmockdraftdatabase.com).

That was quick.

Does Klubnik’s game film warrant such a high pre-season projection?

Background

Klubnik was a five-star prospect out of high school (247Sports) and committed to Clemson in March of 2021. Klubnik is going into his senior year at Clemson, and his third year as a full-time starter.

Klubnik’s Stats:

2024:

• 14 games played
• 308 completions
• 486 attempts (63.4%)
• 3,639 yards 
• 36 touchdowns
• Six interceptions

#2 Cade Klubnik 6-foot-2, 210 pounds 
Rajvir Bal’s Summer 2026 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)
Projected by 64.1% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of May 3, 2025 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2024 game film reviewed: South Carolina, Georgia, Louisville, and NC State (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Arm Talent

Klubnik has a strong and live arm that he consistently uses to threaten secondaries downfield, and the game comes easily to him.

GOOD VELOCITY

This is something that stood out on film, as Klubnik can make tight window throws with zip. He adjusts his tempo and can layer his passes as well, showcasing high-level touch on his throws.

Klubnik hits his target downfield more often than not, showcasing really solid ball placement.

Pocket Presence

This prospect demonstrates the ability to win the game from inside the pocket. He demonstrates good, small, and subtle movements to avoid pressure from opposing players. He can also scan the field and read defenses from the pocket, showing off his pro-style.

JITTERY

This is something we have to watch.

At times, Klubnik gets jittery under pressure when he fails to anticipate it properly, leading to rushed decisions.

Natural Instincts

Klubnik’s internal clock is great–Klubnik knows when to let it rip and knows when to check the ball down. He can make reads and process defensive coverage fairly quickly as well. Not to mention, he often delivers the ball with anticipation, releasing it before receivers make their break, allowing them extra time to get to the ball.

This prospect also has solid mobility and can tuck it and run when needed.

Mental Lapses

Klubnik occasionally suffers from mental lapses.

How does this show up on film?

• Forcing throws into coverage (from a clean and dirty pocket)
• Ill-advised decisions

Klubnik’s mental lapses cause him to put the ball in harm’s way more than I would like, and are slightly concerning for his projection to the next level.

NFL Ready

I believe Klubnik is showing early signs of being able to take the reins of an NFL franchise and have a “Bo-Nix (Broncos QB)-like effect” on a team.

Granted, there’s still another college football season in front of Klubnik, and as we’ve all seen, a lot can happen in a single season.

Ten Adjectives

Decisive. Mobile. Anticipatory. Poised. Smart. Instinctual. Polished. Confident. Aggressive. Risk-prone.

2024 Game Film Summary

Klubnik checks many of the critical boxes. Though he must clean up decision-making, his developmental arc and physical profile warrant top-20 consideration on NFL team draft boards prior to their scouts hitting the road this season.

Rajvir Bal is a high school student from the Virginia area. He grew up a rabid Washington Redskins fan, attending more than 30 games, and has enjoyed the team’s high points and low points throughout his life. He plays varsity football and basketball. Rajvir has taken an interest in the NFL Draft since middle school when his team picked Montez Sweat and Dwayne Haskins in the first round. His favorite NFL player ever flips between Rob Gronkowski and Brett Favre, and his favorite athlete is LeBron James. He has been writing his own scouting reports since 2020, and is excited for the opportunities FirstRoundMock provides.