Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) drops to throw during the first quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the 2024 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Cade Klubnik QB Clemson | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Cade Klubnik QB Clemson
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/10/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.65 seconds (84%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.4 DOB: 10/10/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |
| Last Updated: 02/10/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.65 seconds (84%*) | |
| Age: 21.4 DOB: 10/10/2003 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 86.0 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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75% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Release Speed: |
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84% |
| Short Passing: |
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75% |
| Medium Passing: |
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82% |
| Long Passing: |
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84% |
| Rush/Scramble: |
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64% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Mid
Overall Rank:
#47
Position rank:
#6
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| College Games: 34 College Snaps: 2024 | ||
ESPN RATING: 87/100
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247 RATING: 98/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Michael Pratt - Tulane |
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88% |
| Clayton Tune - Houston |
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82% |
| Kellen Mond - Texas A&M |
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76% |
Draft Profile: Bio
The former Texas high school legend arrived at Clemson with five-star billing and the weight of following Trevor Lawrence on his shoulders. A three-time state champion at powerhouse Westlake High School in Austin, Klubnik's journey from Elite 11 MVP to ACC Championship Game hero showcases his steady developmental arc. After earning the starting job in the 2022 Orange Bowl against Tennessee, he's evolved into one of college football's most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks, capping his 2024 campaign with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while adding 463 yards and seven scores on the ground.His 2024 season marked a significant leap forward, highlighted by a record-setting performance against Appalachian State where he became the first FBS quarterback in 25 years to throw for five touchdowns, rush for two more, and maintain a 90% completion rate in a single game. The development continued through ACC play, where he joined elite company as only the third player to win multiple ACC Championship Game MVP honors, matching the accomplishments of Deshaun Watson and Tyrod Taylor.
Despite generating significant NFL buzz and earning second-round draft projections, Klubnik made the calculated decision to return to Clemson for his senior season. The choice reflects his commitment to development, with scouts noting several areas where additional collegiate experience could elevate his draft stock. His evolution from highly-touted prospect to battle-tested collegiate veteran, capped by engineering multiple fourth-quarter comebacks including a signature 50-yard touchdown run in the final two minutes against Pitt, has positioned him as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional deep ball touch with consistent improvement in ball placement - shows advanced feel for throwing receivers open on vertical routes and consistently hits tight windows beyond 20 yards
- Dynamic athlete who brings legitimate speed to the position - has developed into a true dual-threat who forces defensive coordinators to account for his running ability on every snap
- Shows advanced pocket manipulation skills and ability to extend plays while keeping eyes downfield - consistently makes throws from multiple platforms when protection breaks down
- Quick, compact release with repeatable mechanics - gets the ball out quickly under pressure and maintains consistency across different throwing platforms
- Shows natural touch and timing on intermediate routes, particularly on deep crossers and seam routes - consistently hits receivers in stride allowing for yards after catch
- Natural improviser who thrives in chaos - shows rare ability to create explosive plays when structure breaks down while limiting negative outcomes
- Battle-tested against elite competition - has faced multiple top-10 teams and delivered in crucial moments including playoff performances
- Shows advanced pre-snap recognition skills - consistently identifies and exploits coverage mismatches when defensive looks remain static post-snap
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Frame is on the leaner side at 210 pounds - will need to add functional strength to withstand NFL punishment and maintain durability at next level
- Still developing consistency in processing post-snap rotation - can struggle to quickly identify and exploit coverage changes on the fly
- Will occasionally lock onto primary read too long rather than working through progressions - needs to improve in finding secondary options when first read is covered
- Decision-making under immediate pressure remains inconsistent - will force throws into danger when unable to escape with athleticism
- Short passing game efficiency needs refinement - can improve touch and placement on underneath routes and quick game concepts
Scouting Report: Summary
Klubnik profiles as a modern NFL quarterback whose dual-threat capabilities and improving pocket presence will appeal to offensive coordinators looking to diversify their attack. His combination of arm talent, athleticism, and demonstrated growth curve suggests a high-ceiling prospect who could thrive in a system that maximizes his mobility while continuing to develop his processing speed.The ideal landing spot would be with a team running a spread-based offense that incorporates designed quarterback runs and moving pockets. His deep ball accuracy and improving pre-snap recognition would particularly shine in an offense that emphasizes vertical concepts off play-action. His decision to return to school for 2025 should allow him to refine his post-snap processing and build the functional strength needed for the NFL game.
The extra year of development could prove crucial in a 2026 quarterback class that currently lacks a consensus top prospect. Klubnik has already shown the baseline traits NFL teams covet - arm talent, athleticism, and proven production against high-level competition. With another year to polish his game and showcase improved decision-making under pressure, he has positioned himself to potentially rise into first-round consideration with a strong pre-draft process.
Written By:
FELIX GREEN (ACC)
How other scouting services rate Cade Klubnik (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
47.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
6.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.