The 2025 NFL Draft is now behind us, and as a result, some are already looking toward the 2026 class.
One position group that is expected to be much better next year is quarterback. This year’s class was headlined by Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart, with not much else to speak of.
Next year’s class, however, could feature names like Arch Manning, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, and Cade Klubnik. Several teams will inevitably need quarterbacks, so there could fierce competition for these names.
One team that could need a quarterback next offseason is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team is still in the mix for Aaron Rodgers, but even if the veteran is brought in, the team would still need a future passer due to Rodgers’ advanced age.
Thus, the team at CBS Sports recently put together a 2026 mock draft, and had the Steelers select Cade Klubnik out of Clemson. Ran Carthon and Chip Patterson offered the following analysis regarding that pick:
Aaron Rodgers? Will Howard? Mason Rudolph? We don’t even know who’s going to start Week 1 of this season at quarterback, but we do know that none of these players are seen as franchise saviors at the position. Could Cade Klubnik be that guy? He took a big step forward for Clemson last season.
Klubnik is definitely an intriguing prospect. The Clemson product threw for 3,639 yards with 36 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2024 while leading Clemson to the College Football Playoff.
Klubnik has exceptional arm strength and can make plays with his legs, as well. The quarterback rushed for 463 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024.
Overall, in 37 games at Clemson, Klubnik has thrown for 7,180 yards, rushed for 784 yards and has scored 70 total touchdowns (57 passing).
As mentioned above, the Steelers are likely to sign Rodgers this offseason. That should square away the position for 2025, but there’s no guarantee Rodgers will play after this coming season.
The Steelers currently have Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard on the roster at quarterback. Howard could develop into a solid player, but as a sixth-round selection, the team likely won’t count on it.
Of course, right now, the team at CBS Sports has Klubnik going in the middle of the first round. However, depending on how the 2025 season goes, Klubnik could end up going much earlier and be out of the Steelers’ range.
If the Steelers sign Rodgers and are a playoff team, they may have to explore other avenues in the draft. It will be interesting to see how the season goes in Pittsburgh, that’s for sure.
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