It’s Never Too Early for 2026 NFL Mock Draft Talk
Even though college football is still months away from kicking off, mock draft season is already in full swing. In a recent “Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft” by Ethan Woodie from NFL Trade Rumors, the Detroit Lions made an unexpected but intriguing choice: selecting Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik with the 29th overall pick.

Why This Pick Stands Out
Before Lions fans panic about the future of Jared Goff, let’s set the record straight — Goff isn’t going anywhere. He just inked a new four-year contract extension and remains firmly in place as Detroit’s franchise quarterback. However, selecting a high-upside quarterback like Klubnik could be a forward-thinking move. Heading into the 2025 season, Klubnik has the third-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy, a sign of his rising profile.

While Detroit may not be in urgent need of a new signal-caller, Klubnik is among several QB prospects with a wide range of potential outcomes. If he elevates his performance this season, he could easily be seen as a late first-round talent, thanks to his impressive arm strength and mobility.

A former five-star recruit, Klubnik has already shown glimpses of top-tier potential at Clemson. Should he take the next step in his development, he might become one of the more coveted names in next year’s draft class.

With one of the most complete rosters in the league and Goff solidified as the starter, using a first-round pick on a developmental quarterback wouldn’t be a shock. The Lions’ front office could view Klubnik as a long-term investment — either as Goff’s eventual successor or a valuable trade asset down the line. Think of it like what the Packers did with Jordan Love or how the Chiefs handled Patrick Mahomes, who sat a year behind Alex Smith.

Smart teams prepare for the future, and Detroit GM Brad Holmes has proven he’s not afraid to make bold moves if it secures future success. So while it’s far from certain that Klubnik ends up in a Lions uniform, it wouldn’t be surprising if they took a shot on him should he have a standout junior season. This isn’t about replacing Jared Goff — it’s about building for sustained success.