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The New York Jets came into the 2026 NFL Draft knowing they needed to find a quarterback down the board at some point. They wound up taking Clemson Tigers QB Cade Klubnik on Day 3 at No. 110 overall.
When Klubnik joins the Jets, there is one thing that he will need beyond talent at the QB position. Klubnik will need to have "thick skin" in New York, according to his Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg shared Swinney's full thoughts on Klubnik to the Jets. From Klubnik needing "thick skin" to his belief in Klubnik as a pro, Swinney shared his thoughts on his college QB's journey into the NFL.
Dabo Swinney reveals thoughts on Jets drafting Cade Klubnik
"He's a two-time ACC championship MVP with a couple titles, but he's also had some moments that were not so good," Swinney said. "All those things make you better if you're made of the right stuff, and it has made him better. Especially going to a place like New York, you better have some thick skin. ... I think Cade has a chance to be an outstanding pro."
While Swinney said that Klubnik has what it takes to survive with the Jets, he also mentioned that he's had some not-so-great moments.
However, those struggles come to every player in college, and especially in the NFL. It's not just about how good a player can perform in the league; it's about how they react to the negatives as well.
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For Klubnik and the Jets, while he might not be the instant starter, he will likely see the field at some point during 2026. And he will, almost assuredly, miss a throw, throw an interception, take a sack, or make some other mistake while he's on the field.
Swinney's comments point to Klubnik being able to get past those struggles and become an "outstanding" professional in the NFL.
There's a lot that Klubnik needs to do to prove he can become an outstanding pro in the NFL, but if his playoff success and mindset can translate to the league, he should have an easier time finding success not just for the Jets but in his NFL career in general.
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