Cade Klubnik — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Both Braden Smith and Bernhard Raimann are currently scheduled to be unrestricted free agents in 2026 as well, so offensive tackle is a possibility here. But if the Colts are picking top eight, across-the-board changes could be coming for the Colts including quarterback. What a difference a year made for Klubnik, who took a major step forward in his second season as a starter as he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions while rushing for 463 yards and seven scores.

(Programming alert: Klubnik (Clemson) and Nussmeier (LSU) will meet in Week 1 of the college football season on August 30th.)

The Browns drafted two quarterbacks last week: Dillon Gabriel in Round 3 and Shedeur Sanders in Round 5. But Cleveland didn't address the position with any of its four picks in the top 70, and it might take a bigger swing next April. Klubnik made huge strides in his second season as a starter, finishing 2024 with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdown passes and only 6 interceptions. He could be the long-term answer.

Klubnik maintains a strong platform while going through his reads and is consistent no matter the defensive structure. He also has the mobility to escape pressure, but he has B-level arm strength, so it will be important for him to show that he can throw into tight windows this season. His game reminds me a lot of Bo Nix.

The Justin Fields experiment is merely a stopgap measure until a long-term answer is uncovered for the Jets quarterback position. Klubnik (6-2, 210 pounds) is a former five-star recruit who came of age last year and is piloting a lethal Clemson offense that is loaded with three future NFL wide receivers.

If the Colts are picking inside the top 10, there may well be a house cleaning in Indy regarding the front office, coaching staff and quarterback room. Klubnik has slowly but steadily improved over the course of his time as a starter at Clemson and returns to a team capable of winning it all this year.

A stark contrast to No. 1 overall pick Arch Manning, Klubnik enters his third season as Clemson's full-time starter and on the heels of a sparkling 2024 campaign in which he completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns against just six interceptions. While slightly shorter than scouts would prefer, Klubnik offers an exciting combination of improvisational skills, accuracy and athleticism.