The Cleveland Browns have given themselves two shots at finding their next franchise quarterback with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
However, as NFL history shows, nothing is ever certain when it comes to young players, and that’s especially true at the quarterback position.
And, that’s even more true at the quarterback position in Cleveland, where many have come and failed.
A recent mock draft done by Pro Football and Sports Network’s Max Dorsey sees the Browns taking Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which means he doesn’t see Sanders or Gabriel panning out.
“There’s a lot of buzz about the 2026 quarterback class, and Clemson’s Cade Kubnik is as good as any signal-caller in the country. A tad undersized, Klubnik is 6’2″, 205 pounds, but has the arm to make every throw on the field. He’s a creative mover in the pocket and makes things happen out of structure,” Dorsey wrote.
Klubnik is currently slated to be one of the top quarterbacks in next year’s draft, and he can cement himself as the best with another strong season after a career-best showing in 2024 that saw him tally 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns.
Over three years at Clemson, Klubnik has thrown for 7,180 yards and 57 scores to 18 picks, while also showing his dual-threat ability with 784 rushing yards and another 13 touchdowns.
Klubnik has also shown he has a knack for raising his game in big spots and coming through in the clutch.
The Clemson star has twice won the ACC Championship Game MVP award and performed at a high level in the College Football Playoff contest versus Texas.
With his mobility and impressive arm, Klubnik has all the tools to be successful at the next level and would be an intriguing option for Cleveland if the team decides to part ways with both Sanders and Gabriel after one season.
