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NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

USA Today13 hours ago

Summer is here, and it is everyone's favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Player Information
Player: Cade Klubnik
School: Clemson
Height/Weight: 6-2/205 lbs.
Player Background
- 5-Star Recruit
- Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas
- Defeated Quinn Ewers for State Title in High School
- 2x ACC Titler Game MVP (2022, 2024)
Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season
- 37 Career Games
- 7,180 Passing Yards
- 6.9 Yards Per Attempt
- 57 Touchdowns
- 18 Interceptions
Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season
- 71.5 PFF Passing Grade
- 42 Big Time Throws
- 36 Turnover Worthy Plays
- Average Depth of Target of 8.2 Yards
- Adjusted Completion Percentage of 73.8%
Player Traits
- Can scoot if he needs to, definitely an x-factor
- Excellent pocket awareness to extend plays
- Keeps his eyes downfield to make sure he can make plays
- Has an NFL arm in terms of strength and accuracy
- Good anticipation on his throws to keep WRs momentum after the catch
Player Summary
Cade Klubnik has been around for a while now, much like the Clemson quarterback before that, who had eyes on the NFL in Trevor Lawrence. While he may not be the prospect that Lawrence was, he is still a good quarterback prospect for a team. Klubnik has a talented arm with good mental makeup that should allow him to play early in his NFL career and find success in the process. He has excellent pocket presence to evade pressure and extends plays, something that is invaluable when it comes to finding early success in the NFL. He will likely lead Clemson to another ACC championship game appearance, maybe even a College Football Playoff appearance, but we just need to see more flash from his arm, and he has a chance to compete for the top spot in this class.

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