Where does Jets rookie QB Klubnik stand ahead of training camp? - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — There's something about a Day 2 or Day 3 quarterback draft pick that inspires hope for a forlorn fan base. It's because of Tom Brady and, to a lesser degree, Brock Purdy — sixth- and seventh-round picks, respectively, who defied the odds.

The New York Jets have played this lottery many times, hoping to cash a winning ticket. In recent years, they drafted Jordan Travis (fifth round), James Morgan (fourth), Christian Hackenberg (second) and Bryce Petty (fourth). The first three never took a snap in the NFL, while Petty got seven mop-up starts over two years and never played again in the league.

Now it's on to the next: Cade Klubnik, who undoubtedly will be a fan favorite at training camp this summer.

The fourth-round pick from Clemson arrives during a transition phase for the Jets, who traded for veteran journeyman Geno Smith to be their bridge quarterback. They appear to be targeting the talent-rich 2027 draft for their quarterback of the future. In the meantime, they will take a long look at Klubnik, who conceivably could win the No. 2 job in camp.

«He's very eager to get this thing and figure it out,» quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave said. «He's ready to rock and roll. [He asks] a lot of good questions. He's a good athlete. At his pro day, he might have run 4.57 [second 40-yard dash time], so he can move.

»It'll be fun to see him versus live bullets in these preseason games and watch him develop because he's got a lot of athletic skills. We'll try to harness them and have him get good at this football thing at the pro level."

The fans will embrace Klubnik because he exudes confidence. They've also seen him a lot on TV, as he was a three-year starter for Clemson. He played brilliantly in the 2024