Advanced metrics show Jets may have found a hidden gem in Cade Klubnik

Had the New York Jets selected Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik after his 2024 season, fans would be very excited. With the former top recruit regressing in the 2025 season, the Jets are wondering if their fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will be able to get back on track.

Some advanced metrics have painted an optimistic picture of Klubnik, suggesting that his 2024 season put him in such rarified air among college football prospects that the right coaching staff and support system are all he needs to prove the doubters wrong.

Since 2012, only six quarterback prospects have had a season with an uncatchable throw rate below 20%, a big-time throw rate under pressure above 7%, a pressure-to-sack rate under 20%, and more than 40 rushing yards per game (with sacks removed).

Klubnik and fellow 2026 prospect Cole Payton, who put his numbers up against FCS competition, are two of them. The other four? How does Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Drake Maye, and Jaxson Dart sound? At his best, Klubnik has shown that there is true NFL talent.

Cade Klubnik's 2024 season suggests he could be a stud with Jets

Klubnik's 2025 season stunk, like many Clemson players, and the quarterback bears a good chunk of responsibility. However, with Dabo Swinney undermining his new OC and the offensive line taking a huge step backward, there were some troubles Klubnik was unable to overcome.

The Jets are banking on the 2024 season being more representative of what Klubnik is going to be in the pros. The arm talent is not going to impress, but with solid athleticism, great ball placement, and the ability to pick up a scheme quickly, Klubnik has many of the traits Frank Reich loves.

The Jets have not signed a veteran backup quarterback at this juncture, meaning that Klubnik is the early favorite for the backup quarterback job behind Geno Smith. If the Jets are once again a bad team, look for one of them to roll Klubnik out there for a few games and see just how far along he is in his development.

This franchise has been the picture of what not to do when selecting Day 3 quarterbacks, but with Klubnik's 2024 season looking more translatable than many of the other draftees this team has tried to make work, there's a chance the Clemson signal-caller is on the team as a long-term contributor.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow