Mock draft season never really ends, does it? Even with the next college football season months away, NFL analysts are already looking ahead — and the Detroit Lions are drawing some buzz.
In the latest “Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft” from NFL Trade Rumors’ Ethan Woodie, the Lions were projected to grab Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik with the No. 29 pick.
Yes, a quarterback — but don’t panic, Lions fans.
Jared Goff isn’t going anywhere after signing his new four-year extension. Drafting a talent like Klubnik would be a future-focused move, not an immediate shake-up. Klubnik, who enters the 2025 college season with the third-best Heisman odds, has shown flashes of elite potential at Clemson. If he takes the next step this fall, he could vault into first-round territory.
Woodie notes that while Detroit may not “need” a QB now, taking a swing on a high-upside prospect could pay off long-term — whether as a future starter or even as trade capital, similar to what Green Bay once did with Jordan Love or Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes behind Alex Smith.
The bottom line? Good teams think ahead, and GM Brad Holmes has proven he’s willing to make bold moves to keep the Lions competitive.
No need to rush out for a Klubnik jersey just yet — but keep his name in mind when the 2026 draft chatter heats up.
Way-Too-Early 2026 Mock Draft Has Lions Eyeing Heisman Contender Cade Klubnik
