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Cade Klubnik #2 of the Clemson Tigers could be an NFL draft target of the Cleveland Browns.
For the Cleveland Browns, the approach this offseason has been well-focused, if not exactly exciting. The team came into March in need of pretty much everything on the offensive side of the ball, and while the most glaring need is a franchise quarterback, GM Andrew Berry has decided his best means of improving the team’s QB situation is to ignore it. Instead, Berry focused entirely on rebuilding the Browns’ offensive line.
The Browns added three new, starter-caliber players to that unit. Berry then sought to fill out the team’s depth on the defensive side of the roster, and to build up the team’s woeful special teams. There was not a whisper about signing a quarterback in free agency, despite some projections of interest in top free agent Malik Willis and potential trade targeting of the Colts‘ Anthony Richardson.
The Browns’ approach has become plain: Go into the offseason program with incumbent starter Shedeur Sanders, former starter Deshaun Watson and his twice-repaired Achilles tendon, with Dillon Gabriel and a late-round draft flier rounding out the field. And Cleveland.com is projecting which flier that will be: Cade Klubnik of Clemson.
Cade Klubnik Struggled in 2025
If you’re not a college football devotee, you might remember hearing Klubnik’s name a good bit back in 2024, but not since. That’s because, after a lot of hype and a No. 4 preseason ranking, Clemson and Klubnik had a miserable go of things in 2025, a mostly forgettable year. The Browns can relate, of course.
Klubnik’s passing yardage dropped from 3,649 yards to 2,943. He went from 36 passing touchdowns to 16. He went from 3.9 yards per rushing attempt to 1.1. Rather than compete for a national title, the Tigers went 6-5 before winning the Pinstripe Bowl.
If that sounds like damaged goods to you, we’ll remind you that the Browns’ quarterback room is Sanders, Watson and Gabriel. Damaged goods are welcome.
GettyGeneral manager Andrew Berry of the Cleveland Browns
Browns Projection: Grab Cade Klubnik in 5th Round
The Cleveland.com mock draft, authored by the site’s draft guru Tim Bielik, has Klubnik landing with the Browns in the fifth round.
Bielik writes: “I did like Klubnik heading into last season at Clemson. However, he took a major step back alongside his team. That said, he has great mobility, is accurate and has plenty of experience.
“The Browns’ actions tell you they might have to take a quarterback in this draft to fill out their room. At this point, any quarterback you take is a lottery ticket, so Klubnik’s fundamentals and running ability make him an interesting choice.”
Scouting Report Sounds Familiar to Browns Fans
The NFL.com scouting report from Lance Zierlein is similar when it comes to Klubnik–there was enough talent there to have him considered as a top prospect once, but it is hard to see him landing as a starter-caliber player, for the Browns or anyone. He also probably sounds a bit too much like the undersize Gabriel for most Browns fans.
He writes: “Much was expected of Klubnik after a strong showing in 2024, but his play and production declined in 2025. He’s undersized but athletic and shows an ability to attack zone windows with adequate velocity over the first two levels. He can make some timing throws with anticipation when in rhythm. However, when the first read isn’t there, his field vision is average and he’s not good enough off-platform/out of structure to succeed at a high enough rate.
“Maintaining poise and mechanics are essential, so finding a short passing attack with a competent run game feels like a must for Klubnik.”
Sean Deveney is a veteran sports reporter covering the NBA, NFL and MLB for Heavy.com. He has written for Heavy since 2019 and has more than two decades of experience covering the NBA, including 17 years as the lead NBA reporter for the Sporting News. Deveney is the author of 7 nonfiction books, including “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley became Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan.” More about Sean Deveney
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