The Jets rookie class has brought a lot of excitement to the fanbase. Starting with the first four picks, the Jets left the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft with impact players on both offense and defense. Starting with the second overall pick, Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey should have an easy time getting after the quarterback in the NFL.
As for their last two first-round picks, the Jets secured two major weapons on offense. Both tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr should add some exciting playmaking to the passing game. The two Jets rookies will have the benefit of working with a veteran quarterback in Geno Smith. Finally, second-round cornerback D’Angelo Ponds will become a useful addition to the secondary.
But those four aren’t the focus of today’s subject. While Geno Smith will be a welcome upgrade over Justin Fields, it’s hard to see him doing enough to stay long-term. Primarily, with three first-round picks in the 2027 draft, the New York Jets will likely select a rookie quarterback next year. However, there is a Jets rookie who can make those plans interesting. While drafted in the fourth round, this Jets rookie was in first-round pick talks early last season. Despite inconsistent play, he showed flashes at Clemson. So, could Jets rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik affect the Jets quarterback plans in 2027?
Jets Rookie Cade Klubnik Could Impact 2027 Draft Plans
While games still must be played, the 2026 Jets rookie class has given the fan base something to be excited about entering this summer. Along with the veteran additions throughout the offseason, the Jets rookie duo of David Bailey and D’Angelo Ponds will be able to contribute right away. Not to mention, the Jets finally get some help behind star wide receiver Garrett Wilson with the rookie duo of Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr.
It’s also a great addition of culture to this locker room. The rookie duo of Cooper Jr and Ponds were key contributors for Indiana’s National Championship team last season. Kenyon Sadiq was a top-tier tight end in college football for Oregon last season. But there is one Jets rookie who could have a larger role than some expect.
Cade Klubnik’s decorated career at Clemson
On the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets decided to pick a quarterback after avoiding the position in the 2025 NFL Draft. After trading up to the 110th overall pick, New York selected Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik. Before committing to Clemson in January of 2022, Klubnik was a star at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. In fact, Klubnik set school records for both passing yards and touchdowns, outperforming the likes of Super Bowl Champion quarterbacks Drew Brees and Nick Foles.
Despite limited action in his freshman season, Klubnik became the deciding factor in Clemson’s 39- 10 victory over a Drake Maye-led UNC team in the 2022 ACC Championship game. After replacing starter DJ Uiagalelei after the first two drives, Klubnik went 20/24 on his passes for 279 yards, along with 30 yards on seven carries and two total touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Tigers would lose to the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2022 Orange Bowl with Klubnik starting.
#Jets just got a potential starting quarterback in Cade Klubnik here in the 4th round.
40 starts in just four season at Clemson, and has 90 career total TDs and single digit interceptions every season.
The former five-star recruit and once viewed first round pick was… pic.twitter.com/dyhNDMD034
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 25, 2026
After becoming the full-time starter in 2023, Klubnik would remain a focal point in the Tigers offense over the next three seasons. As a whole, Cade Klubnik finished with a career record of 26-13 as the starting quarterback from 2023 to 2025. He led the Tigers to a second ACC Conference title victory in 2024, defeating SMU. Despite returning to the College Football Playoff a second time, the Tigers lost to Texas in the first round. For his career, Cade Klubnik had a career completion percentage of 64%, throwing for 10,132 yards, while rushing for 878 yards on 369 carries. In addition, Klubnik finished with 90 total touchdowns (73 passing and 17 rushing) to 24 interceptions.
Cade Klubnik Impresses During Rookie Minicamp
Two weeks ago, the Jets’ rookie minicamp took place from May 8th to May 10th. It was the first chance the Jets coaching staff got to witness the incoming rookies in their first series of practices. Despite having five rookies picked ahead of him, Cade Klubnik managed to impress in a short time. Klubnik took the majority of the snaps at quarterback and was even encouraged to make changes at the line of scrimmage. During his reps, the team was reportedly impressed with his accuracy on short and intermediate passes. He even began developing chemistry with 16th overall pick Kenyon Sadiq.
Jets rookie camp, Day 2: Some nice stuff from QB Cade Klubnik. Good short to intermediate accuracy. Throws a catchable ball. TE Kenyon Sadiq made two catches on intermediate-level routes, including a nice adjustment on a ball slightly behind him. He did have a drop on a short… pic.twitter.com/SsbdbjnBpF
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 9, 2026
Another thing that stood out was Klubnik’s improved mobility on the field. While he ran for nearly 900 yards in his career, last season saw a noticeable decline in his carries. At the time, Klubnik was managing both ankle and wrist injuries during his senior season, so he was scrambling less frequently as the year went on. However, that mobility was on full display when extending the pocket over those three days.
Can the Jets rookie start over Geno Smith?
After having the worst passing offense in the NFL last year, the Jets are hoping to switch things up. The incoming rookie class and securing running back Breece Hall to a long-term contract are a great start. However, it will all come down to how ex-Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich runs the offense and Geno Smith’s performance. Despite leading the league in interceptions last year, the Jets are confident in Smith’s ability to move the ball down the field. Still, the Jets know that wins need to start coming, especially if head coach Aaron Glenn wants to protect his job.
While Klubnik has shown flashes early on, it’s hard to see him seeing significant snaps this year, barring an injury to Geno Smith. There will be games when Geno Smith has multiple turnovers this year. So the calls for Klubnik will be loud when Smith struggles. But it’s hard to envision Klubnik seeing the field before November. Ideally, the Jets hope that if Klubnik does see the field, he will do just enough to show he can survive at least as a long-term backup.
No team in the Common Draft Era has made 3 first-round picks in back-to-back drafts.
Jets 2026 1st Rounders
LB David Bailey (2nd)
TE Kenyon Sadiq (16th)
WR Omar Cooper Jr. (30th)Jets 2027 1st Rounders
Original
From IND (Sauce Gardner trade)
From DAL (Quinnen Williams trade) https://t.co/jr7HUuiGoK— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) April 24, 2026
Cade Klubnik and the Jets 2027 Draft
Cade Klubnik will get every opportunity to prove himself this season. However, the Jets rookie will have an uphill battle trying to stop the team from targeting a first-round quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft. While the Jets hope the rookie quarterback can perform well, it’s hard to see them leave next season without a high draft pick at quarterback. Especially with three first-round picks next year. Between Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, CJ Carr, and more, next year’s quarterback class has a lot of intrigue. Cade Klubnik has earned a lot of fanfare in a short time, but it’s an uphill battle for him to derail the Jets quarterback plans long term.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – Imagn Images
