2026 NFL Scouting Report: Cade Klubnik

Prospect Summary:

The NFL is always in need of young starting quarterback talent, and Klubnik’s strong play in 2024 has put him in contention to be evaluated as a potential NFL starter. Klubnik led his team to a lot of points and was able to get the ball to a talented group of wide receivers. However, Klubnik does not have an elite skill set. He does not have a power arm or elite size like the Bills’ Josh Allen. He also is not an elite runner like the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson. From an arm talent, skill set, and passing ability perspective, Klubnik reminds this analyst of Gardner Minshew.

There is no doubt that Klubnik is a good college quarterback, and he could at least be a backup quarterback as a professional. He is an accurate passer who throws a very catchable football. Klubnik generally has good ball placement and lofting in passes downfield and is able to hit his receivers downfield. Klubnik is composed in the pocket, shows the ability to work through progressions, and reads coverage well. Klubnik showed improvement over 2023 and got better with his ability to carve defenses up out of the pocket. While Klubnik will not be a running threat against NFL defenders, he can move around to buy some time and will pick up yards on the ground when defenses are sleeping on him running.

Klubnik has some areas to improve in 2025. He has a habit of throwing passes high down the middle of the field, and that leads to his receivers being vulnerable. There are times when Klubnik shows good anticipation, and there are other times when he does not anticipate and waits to see his receiver break open. As a pro, he needs to put less pressure on his line and anticipate the opening to get the ball out faster. He also could stand to improve his ability to throw on the run.

Klubnik has a solid arm, but he lacks a power arm. A lot of his passes are lofted in, and for the NFL, the lack of velocity and not having a dynamic fastball are going to be problematic for making some tight-window throws. Klubnik lacks size in the pocket, and that will make it difficult for him to break tackles.

Overall, Klubnik could get a lot of media hype, but it will be interesting to see if teams give him a starter grade and view him as a first-rounder. Or if they grade him as a backup that could go on day two or the mid-rounds.