The New York Jets didn’t sit back and hope Cade Klubnik would fall to them. They moved up 18 spots in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to take the former Clemson quarterback at No. 110 overall, sending two picks to Cincinnati to make it happen.
That kind of move, especially on Day 3, tells you this wasn’t random. The Jets clearly see something worth developing.
Klubnik’s time at Clemson leaves behind a mixed evaluation, and the reactions during ESPN’s draft broadcast reflected that. Louis Riddick focused on the traits that still make him intriguing, pointing to his mobility, ability to throw from different angles, and overall playmaking skill. But he also questioned why it never fully came together, noting that key mistakes and missed opportunities kept showing up in big moments. For Riddick, the talent is obvious, but the lack of consistency is hard to ignore.
Matt Miller leaned more into the upside. He brought up Klubnik’s 2024 season, when he looked like one of the better quarterbacks in the country, throwing 36 touchdowns with just six interceptions. At that point, there was real talk about him being a much higher draft pick. Miller’s takeaway was simple: if a coaching staff can get that version of Klubnik back, this could turn into a steal.
Mel Kiper Jr. added more context to the uneven results. He pointed out that Clemson’s offense never really found a rhythm early in the season, in part because of injuries, especially at wide receiver. When the group got healthier, Klubnik’s performance improved. Kiper also emphasized his athleticism and toughness, making it clear that he’s not a stationary quarterback and can impact the game in multiple ways.
Field Yates looked at the bigger picture for the Jets. This pick doesn’t change their long-term plans at quarterback. With multiple first-round picks in 2027, the expectation is they’ll still be in the market for a bigger name. For now, Klubnik projects as a depth option behind Geno Smith, giving the team another player to develop rather than a guaranteed future starter.
Riddick circled back to what could ultimately decide how this plays out, the relationship between quarterback and play-caller. With Frank Reich now involved, there’s a belief that the right coaching could help smooth out Klubnik’s inconsistencies. But as he pointed out, flashes alone won’t be enough. The challenge is turning those moments into something dependable week after week.
That’s really what this pick comes down to. The ability is there, and it’s shown up before. The question is whether the Jets can turn it into something steady, or if it remains a case of what could have been.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: ESPN draft experts talk Cade Klubnik drafted by the New York Jets
