ESPN breaks down Cade Klubnik’s fit with Jets, likelihood to play

Former Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik saw his draft stock take a major hit after Clemson’s disappointing 2025 season, but the New York Jets still saw enough upside to trade up and select him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Klubnik was once viewed as a possible first-round pick following his standout 2024 campaign, but injuries and inconsistent play during Clemson’s 7-6 season caused him to slide to No. 110 overall.

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid believes New York could still be a good situation for the former Tiger. “When protected, Klubnik is a steady distributor who makes consistent throws to all levels, but his game breaks down into erratic, head-scratching decisions when unsettled,” Reid wrote. Reid also pointed to the Jets’ young offensive line and playmakers like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson as reasons Klubnik could eventually succeed in Frank Reich’s offense.

Klubnik joins a quarterback room led by veteran Geno Smith, though ESPN’s Rich Cimini said the rookie should still have opportunities to compete for backup reps this offseason. “The Jets want to give him as much work as possible,” Cimini wrote. CBS labels Sammy Brown among college football's most feared on defense 📸 Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images https://t.

co/ZzoA2zScDB pic. twitter. com/u1VosGkUcr — Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) May 18, 2026 Even after a frustrating final season, Klubnik finished his Clemson career as the school’s all-time leader in completions and pass attempts while ranking among the top quarterbacks in program history in passing yards, touchdowns and total offense.