Home / Sports / Clemson's Cade Klubnik Tipped for No. 1 Overall 2026 NFL Draft Pick
Clemson's Cade Klubnik Tipped for No. 1 Overall 2026 NFL Draft Pick
16 Aug
Summary
- Quarterback Cade Klubnik could be Clemson's second No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick
- Defensive end T.J. Parker and defensive tackle Peter Woods also projected as top picks
- Wide receiver Antonio Williams expected to be selected in the top 15
According to the latest 2026 NFL mock draft by analyst Todd McShay, Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik is poised to be the first overall pick, potentially becoming the second player in the program's history to be selected No. 1 after former QB Trevor Lawrence.
McShay's projections also have Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker going second overall to the New Orleans Saints, while defensive tackle Peter Woods is slated to be picked seventh by the Carolina Panthers. Wide receiver Antonio Williams is expected to be the fourth Tiger taken, going 14th to the New England Patriots.
Klubnik, the senior quarterback, is described as "calm in chaos" with the mobility and arm strength to succeed at the NFL level. In 2024, he threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, adding 463 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. Parker, meanwhile, is coming off a standout season that saw him set a Clemson record with six forced fumbles, along with 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.
The strong draft projections for these Clemson stars underline the program's continued dominance in producing top NFL talent. With four Tigers potentially going in the top 15 picks, Clemson is set to have a major impact on the 2026 draft class.
