Is Cade Klubnik good? What to know about Clemson QB who Jets traded up to draft

The New York Jets have their next quarterback, maybe.

And he was once viewed as a potential first-round pick.

Instead, the Jets needed only to trade up to the 110th overall pick in the fourth round, and they've got QB Cade Klubnik out of Clemson.

So how did Klubnik get to this point? 

Is Cade Klubnik good?

Yes, on paper, Klubnik is a good player.

He may not be the player that was projected before the 2025 college football season as a possible first-round pick, though.

Klubnik and Clemson had a bumpy campaign, and that hurt his draft value.

He threw 36 touchdowns compared to 6 INTs in 2024. That was down to 16 TDs-6 INTs in 2025.

Klubnik did increase his completion percentage in 2025, and he played much of the year with his talented receiver Antonio Williams injured.

"Much was expected of Klubnik after a strong showing in 2024, but his play and production declined in 2025," writes NFL.com in Klubnik's draft profile. "He’s undersized but athletic and shows an ability to attack zone windows with adequate velocity over the first two levels. He can make some timing throws with anticipation when in rhythm. However, when the first read isn’t there, his field vision is average and he’s not good enough off-platform/out of structure to succeed at a high enough rate. The accuracy numbers to most areas of the field fall below the mark, but tape study shows a high drop count by his receivers. While his designed run production fell off in 2025, he remains pocket-mobile, avoiding sacks and exploiting rushing lanes. Maintaining poise and mechanics are essential, so finding a short passing attack with a competent run game feels like a must for Klubnik."

Klubnik's selection won't stop the Jets from picking a first-round quarterback in 2027.

But he probably will get starts in the second half of this season to see what he can do, after Geno Smith starts early.