Mock draft season can start anytime — even if there are still several months until the next college football game. In the recent “Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft” by Ethan Woodie of NFL Trade Rumors, the Detroit Lions opted for an unexpected but interesting choice: Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik at the 29th pick overall.
Indeed, you read it correctly — a quarterback.
Why It’s Important
Before Lions supporters begin to overturn their Honolulu blue coffee tables, let’s make it clear: this doesn’t imply that Jared Goff is being replaced. The franchise quarterback recently signed a new four-year extension and is clearly established as Detroit’s leader. However, acquiring a high-upside player like Klubnik, who currently holds the third-best Heisman Trophy odds for the upcoming 2025 college football season, is a strategic long-term decision.
According to Woodie:
“No, the Lions likely won’t require a quarterback.” However, Klubnik is among several quarterback candidates who have a diverse spectrum of potential results this year. Should he expand on his performance from last season, he’ll be a contender in this category, given his excellent arm skills and a degree of mobility suitable for the next level.”
That’s a reasonable evaluation. Klubnik, a prior five-star prospect, has exhibited moments of brilliance at Clemson. If he has a standout year, he could readily emerge as one of the leading prospects in next year’s draft class.
The Overall Perspective
The Lions’ lineup is already among the most robust in the NFL, and with Goff firmly established, selecting a developmental QB with a late first-round pick wouldn’t be surprising. The front office could view Klubnik as a possible future starting quarterback or a significant trade asset in the future — similar to Green Bay’s strategy with Jordan Love or the Chiefs’ situation with Patrick Mahomes, who spent a year behind Alex Smith.
Additionally, let’s face it: successful franchises think ahead. Brad Holmes has demonstrated that he is willing to take risks in order to achieve lasting success.
The Final Verdict
Don’t count on Cade Klubnik wearing a Lions jersey next April just yet — but if he has an impressive junior season and Goff stays healthy, it’s not unreasonable to believe Detroit might keep a high-level QB prospect as backup to their starter. This is not about substituting Jared Goff. It’s about maintaining achievement.
