NFL Draft expert heaps high praise on Jets rookie QB Cade Klubnik

The New York Jets have been looking for a long-term plan at quarterback for what feels like eternity, and their latest swing, former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, is the next in line to bear the brunt of fans' hopes.

During OTAs, Klubnik was the star of the show, galvanizing his fellow rookies in organized walkthroughs and earning rave reviews from reporters in attendance.

His first training camp practice was more of a mixed bag, with The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reporting an array of incompletions and one interception in 11-on-11s and 7-on-7s.

Despite the ups and downs, there are some staunch believers out there that Klubnik could develop into a legitimate option for the Jets, and one analyst even believes he's one of the top prospects selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Justin Melo believes Cade Klubnik is the third best QB in the 2026 class

Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo ranked every quarterback selected in this past April's draft, and despite Klubnik being the fifth signal-caller off the board, he was given the third spot, ahead of the likes of Drew Allar and Carson Beck.

"The New York Jets understandably did an extensive amount of homework on this quarterback class and came away thoroughly impressed with Cade Klubnik. That sentiment lasted through offseason workouts, where he showed terrific maturity during OTAs and minicamps. Klubnik has to bounce back after failing to meet expectations at Clemson in 2025, but promising traits like athleticism and arm strength. The Jets should give him an opportunity to play this season before they strongly consider drafting a quarterback in 2027."

Geno Smith is the unquestioned starter for the Jets in 2026, but they don't currently have a clear-cut plan as his primary backup.

Klubnik, Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook are competing for the spot throughout training camp, and the Jets rookie has just as good a shot as the other options to earn it.

His earning that spot would go a long way in establishing himself as a future quarterback option for the Jets, as Zappe and Cook can both at least say they have starting NFL experience. Beating those two out would say a lot about Klubnik.

If the worst-case scenario comes to fruition this season in New York --which would be another winless start to the year and eliminated from playoff contention before Thanksgiving, Klubnik should see an opportunity to get his first few NFL starts.

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