Chiefs urged to 'keep an eye' on 7,180-yard passer in 2026 NFL Draft
Context:
Kansas City Chiefs' star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is approaching the latter stages of his prime as he turns 30 this NFL season, prompting the team to consider future quarterback investments. Clemson's Cade Klubnik is highlighted as a promising prospect for the Chiefs to monitor in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft due to his impressive college performance. Over three seasons, Klubnik has accumulated 7,180 passing yards, 57 touchdowns, and only 18 interceptions. However, if the Chiefs continue to pick late in the draft rounds, they might miss out on acquiring him due to his potential high draft position as the No. 1 quarterback. Strategic changes in team dynamics or draft positions could alter the Chiefs' ability to secure Klubnik in the draft.
Dive Deeper:
Patrick Mahomes, entering his ninth NFL season, is on the cusp of turning 30, marking a transition towards the latter part of his prime playing years, which raises questions about the Chiefs' need for a future quarterback.
Cade Klubnik from Clemson is a standout quarterback prospect with an impressive college career, making him a viable candidate for the Chiefs to consider in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Klubnik has showcased his talent by amassing 7,180 passing yards, 57 touchdowns, and maintaining a low interception rate of 18 over three seasons at Clemson.
There is speculation that Klubnik might be the top quarterback pick in the draft, which could place him beyond the Chiefs' reach if they continue to select late in the draft rounds.
Adjustments in the Chiefs' or Clemson's performance or draft strategy could influence their ability to draft Klubnik, highlighting the dynamic nature of NFL draft prospects.
The Chiefs are encouraged to keep a forward-looking approach in quarterback scouting to ensure they have a reliable succession plan for when Mahomes' performance eventually declines.
Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is heading into his ninth NFL season and eighth year as the full-time starter.
Mahomes will turn 30 at the start of this year's NFL season, which means he is starting to enter the end of his best seasons.
The three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback still has a long career ahead, but the Chiefs should start investing in young quarterbacks just in case Mahomes' game starts to fall off with age over the next few years.
Dominic Minchel from Kansas City Chiefs On SI thinks Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is a prospect the Chiefs should "keep an eye" on during next year's NFL Draft.
"If the trend continues with the Chiefs picking in the latter half of the draft rounds, the Clemson quarterback might be out of the picture. However, things could change from now until then, both in Kansas City and in Clemson," Minchel wrote. "Last season for the Tigers, Klubnik recorded 3,639 passing yards in 308 completions. He also threw 36 touchdowns and was only picked off six times."
Klubnik has appeared in 37 games over three seasons for Clemson, throwing for 7,180 yards and 57 touchdowns to 18 interceptions.
There is a chance Klubnik will be the No. 1 quarterback taken in next year's draft, so the Chiefs might not be the best option for the 21-year-old.
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