ESPN on Cade Klubnik's strengths, weaknesses as a 2026 NFL draft prospect
Cade Klubnik has plenty working in his favor heading into the 2025 season—and now, he'll have the full attention of NFL scouts watching to see what's next.
After an up-and-down sophomore year, Klubnik took a major step forward in 2024 for Clemson. He finished the season with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions, putting together one of the best single-season performances by a Clemson quarterback in recent memory. According to ESPN's Jordan Reid, 'Klubnik entered 2024 with question marks after a rough sophomore season but emerged as a star.'
Reid praised Klubnik's polish and command in the pocket, writing that 'he's able to repeat his mechanics and keep his eyes, feet and throwing motion in sync while going through his progressions.' The Clemson quarterback delivered on the biggest stage too, saving his best performance for the first round of the College Football Playoff, where he threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns against Texas.
That showing, along with a strong supporting cast—Clemson returns its top three receivers in 2025—led Reid to project Klubnik as the No. 1 overall pick in his Way Too Early 2026 mock draft. 'He should be set up for success in 2025,' Reid said.
But NFL scouts aren't sold just yet. While Klubnik's accuracy, footwork, and decision-making have drawn praise, questions remain about his physical ceiling. 'Scouts around the league I've talked to have raised concerns about Klubnik's arm strength and whether he can build on his 2024 success,' Reid noted.
'Questions about his arm surface when he's forced to test tight windows in underneath coverage and with his inconsistent trajectory on deep passes,' Reid added. Klubnik averaged just 8.56 air yards per passing attempt last season, which ranked 58th in the FBS. 'He must be more assertive and willing to challenge coverage in intermediate and deep areas,' Reid said.
Klubnik's development in 2025 will go a long way in determining whether he truly has the tools to become a top NFL quarterback—or if he still has something to prove at the next level.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
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