The New York Jets have a new quarterback prospect to watch closely. With the 110th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager Darren Mougey selected former Clemson standout Cade Klubnik—a player who entered last spring as a potential No. 1 overall pick before a challenging 2025 season caused his stock to slide.

Now, the Jets are hoping Klubnik can become a late-round steal in the mold of Brock Purdy. ESPN's Matt Miller recently compared the two, noting Klubnik's combination of experience, athletic ability, and arm talent. "You hate to make the Purdy comparison because it's so overused at this point," Miller said, "but if there's going to be a Purdy in this year's class, it's going to be Klubnik."

It's an intriguing comparison for Jets fans who remember how Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 draft, went from "Mr. Irrelevant" to leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship game. Klubnik brings a similar profile: a highly experienced college quarterback who started multiple seasons at Clemson, showing flashes of brilliance despite his team's inconsistent performance in 2025.

For now, veteran Geno Smith is set to start the 2026 season under center. But Klubnik will have every opportunity to prove himself during his rookie year. The Jets also hold three first-round picks in the 2027 draft, so the pressure is on Klubnik to show he can be the long-term answer before the team potentially targets a top quarterback prospect next year.

Head coach Aaron Glenn and Mougey believe they've found a diamond in the rough. If Klubnik can channel even a fraction of Purdy's success, the Jets may have accidentally found their franchise quarterback in the fourth round—a storyline that would make for an unforgettable season in New York.