NFL Draft expert Todd McShay likes Cade Klubnik's game, gives an NFL player comp

USA Today

09-06-2025

NFL Draft expert Todd McShay likes Cade Klubnik's game, gives an NFL player comp
Former ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay had high praise for Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik this week, offering a notable NFL comparison as Klubnik prepares for his senior season.
On The McShay Show, McShay said Klubnik reminds him of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, noting similarities in their feel for chaos and improvisation.
'I see a lot of Bo Nix in this kid,' McShay said. 'He's great when the play breaks down — climbing the pocket, sidestepping pressure. It's almost soothing for him. He also has that elastic arm. The ball comes out with more energy than you expect.'
McShay said he underestimated Nix during his time at Auburn but came to appreciate his development at Oregon. He now sees those same traits in Klubnik — mobility, size, arm flexibility, and poise under pressure — though he made clear that the comparison was about style, not necessarily ceiling.
Klubnik enters the 2025 season as a potential first-round pick and legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. In 2024, he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions, while rushing for 463 yards and seven more scores. He was one of only two FBS quarterbacks to throw for over 3,500 yards and rush for more than 400. His 43 total touchdowns were second most in the country.
In McShay's Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft, he projected Klubnik to the Cleveland Browns at No. 5 overall, calling Clemson's roster 'possibly the most talented Dabo Swinney has had in a decade.'
Stephen Muench, McShay's co-host, offered a different comp: veteran NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford.
'I think both Stafford and Klubnik are very tough, very smart,' Muench said. 'He makes confident throws, gets to his third read. That's what you want to see in a next-level guy.'
With both arm talent and experience, Klubnik will be a quarterback to watch closely this fall as NFL scouts continue to evaluate one of college football's most intriguing prospects.
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