Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Has a Chance

I’ve now evaluated Clemson quarterback (QB) Cade Klubnik in 38 games since 2023.

What did I think before this season?

I didn’t think he had what it took as an NFL projection.

How did he look on film in 2025?

In the first three games of the season, it appeared like more of the same. The only way to describe it was that it looked like he stuck his finger in a light socket. He was hyper as could be and erratic. But then from the fourth game on, he began settling down, and he began growing on me.

Which is something I never thought would happen.

What was the main issue with Klubnik on film this season?

While he showed that he can be a decent one-to-two read game manager who throws with below-average to average anticipation, he gravitates toward the dramatic.

It all starts with the feet

When it comes to quarterbacks, footwork is imperative for everyone not named Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs QB).

How was Klubnik’s?

All over the road.

While he showed he’s capable of working from a wide throwing base, it wasn’t consistent.

Point blank ⎯

Klubnik has a hard time settling his feet in the pocket. His feet tended to become too close together (even parallel) when throwing. He also has this pervasive tendency to lift his back foot after he throws like a baseball pitcher, which can cause the ball to sail high on him or deep passes to be overthrown.

What does inconsistent footwork produce?

Erratic downfield ball placement.

Here’s the deal ⎯

Klubnik is too dependent on his arm strength. He attempts to aim and steer the ball too much.

Klubnik can also make big-time NFL-looking passes when everything is lined up right. That’s part of the allure.

How does he look throwing short, intermediate, and deep?

Klubnik is best in the short throwing range (0-9 yards). He has a strong screen game. He’s “decent” in the intermediate route range (10-19 yards). On passes 20+ yards, I charted Klubnik completing 16/41 (39.0%).

Improvements

Klubnik still throws his fair share of dangerous passes. Sometimes he even heaves the ball up for grabs. I charted 19 of Klubnik’s passes being broken up this season (1.72 per game average).

How does that compare?

• 3.23 average in 2023
• 2.93 average in 2024

Big improvement in a key area.

His completion percentage also slightly improved, and I felt like he brought his downfield aggressiveness and his overall game more under control on tape. That’s what gives me the most optimism.

#2 Cade Klubnik 6-foot-2, 210 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2026 NFL Draft Grade: Third-Round (I would select him)

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a Third-Round prospect as of December 22, 2025

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Struggles to Take Care of the Football (2023: 13 games evaluated)

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik is a Loose Cannon (2024: 14 games evaluated)

2025 game film evaluated: LSU, Troy, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, North Carolina, Boston College, Duke, FSU, Louisville, Furman, and South Carolina (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2025: 235/353 (66.6%) for 2,750 yards, 16 TD, 6 INT (74 carries)

Pro Football Focus time to throw in 2025: 2.71 seconds

Sports Illustrated No. 1 recruit in the country

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Fearless sparkplug who is ascending. Leads with an inconsistent tempo. Tough. Poised. Downfield focused. Comfortable passing off play action. Inconsistent release times. Tendency to pause for an extra moment before releasing. Leans toward throwing to his first read. Difficulty syncing to timing routes. Throws some air balls. Works the whole field. Spreads the ball around. Sometimes double-clutches. Can sling it sidearmed. Loves slants and out patterns. Good escape ability under pressure. Prefers getting out of structure. Decent accuracy rolling out and throwing left or right. Forces himself into running situations when he holds the ball too long. Has wheels—average at protecting his body.

Final words

Klubnik will develop into a No. 2 backup quarterback and become a starter down the road.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. Featured in USA Today. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.