The Dallas Cowboys already boast one of the most talented quarterback rooms in the NFL, headlined by franchise cornerstone Dak Prescott, who remains among the league’s elite when healthy. Behind him, the team traded for athletic backup Joe Milton from the Patriots a year ago and recently added Sam Howell on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, setting the stage for a competitive battle in Oxnard this summer.

But according to ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller’s comprehensive seven-round mock draft, the Cowboys aren’t stopping there. In a surprise late-round gamble, Dallas reportedly selects former Clemson Tigers standout Cade Klubnik with one of its fifth-round compensatory picks—marking a fascinating developmental bet on a once-hyped prospect whose stock has fallen sharply after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

From Blue-Chip Prospect to Fifth-Round Gamble

Just a year ago, Klubnik entered the 2025 college season as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, widely viewed as a potential first-round talent. A former No. 1 overall recruit in high school, he earned USA Today National Offensive Player of the Year honors twice and delivered a breakout 2024 season for the Tigers: 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns against just six interceptions.

Clemson opened 2025 ranked No. 4 in the AP poll with high expectations, yet the season unraveled. The Tigers finished just 7-6, and Klubnik’s production plummeted to 2,943 passing yards and 16 touchdowns (with six interceptions) in 12 games. Completion percentage held steady at 65.6%, but the big plays and efficiency that defined his prior year evaporated.

This steep decline has caused Klubnik’s draft stock to tumble dramatically—from potential first-rounder to a projected mid-to-late round selection. In Miller’s mock, he comes off the board as the eighth quarterback selected, deep in the fifth round.

What the Scouts Are Saying About Klubnik

NFL.com’s scouting report captures the dual nature of Klubnik’s profile heading into the draft:

“Much was expected of Klubnik after a strong showing in 2024, but his play and production declined in 2025. He’s undersized but athletic and shows an ability to attack zone windows with adequate velocity over the first two levels. He can make some timing throws with anticipation when in rhythm.

“However, when the first read isn’t there, his field vision is average and he’s not good enough off-platform/out of structure to succeed at a high enough rate. … Maintaining poise and mechanics are essential, so finding a short passing attack with a competent run game feels like a must for Klubnik.”

Klubnik brings undeniable athleticism and the tools to thrive in rhythm within a structured offense. Yet questions linger about his ability to improvise, process under pressure, and maintain consistency when plays break down—traits critical for long-term NFL success.

Dallas’ Draft Strategy: Defense First, Offensive Gambles Later

Miller’s full mock draft paints a clear picture of the Cowboys’ priorities. With the 2025 season exposing defensive weaknesses—one of the NFL’s worst units—Dallas addresses the issue aggressively early on, even after adding veterans like Jalen Thompson, Rashan Gary, PJ Locke, and Cobie Durant in free agency.

Projected selections include:

  • Injured Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the first round.
  • LSU linebacker Harold Perkins in the third.
  • Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth.

Only after fortifying the defense does the focus shift to offense in the later rounds: tight end Josh Cuevas and Alabama running back Jam Miller in the fifth, followed by BYU receiver Chase Roberts in the seventh—and Klubnik slotted into that fifth-round mix.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Stash for Dallas?

For the Cowboys, selecting Klubnik would represent a classic “lottery ticket” approach. With Prescott locked in as the starter and a solid backup competition already in place between Milton and Howell, Dallas can afford to develop a high-upside arm without immediate pressure.

If Klubnik can rediscover his 2024 form—leveraging his athleticism, anticipation on timing throws, and ability to attack zone coverage—within a disciplined, run-supported system, he could emerge as a valuable long-term asset or even a future backup contender.

Critics may point to his 2025 struggles as a red flag, suggesting the traits that limited him in college could prove even more challenging against NFL defenses. Yet in the later rounds, teams routinely take calculated swings on former blue-chip talents who simply need the right environment and coaching to rebound.

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches in just over three weeks, Miller’s mock draft adds intriguing fuel to the Cowboys’ offseason narrative. While the focus remains on shoring up a leaky defense, a stealthy addition like Cade Klubnik could quietly inject excitement—and upside—into an already crowded quarterback room.

Whether this “bombshell” late-round pick materializes or remains a mock-draft hypothetical, one thing is clear: the Cowboys are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build sustainable contention around Dak Prescott. A former top prospect with proven explosive potential coul