Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady were both taller than 6-foot-4 and commanded respect whenever they walked into a huddle.

Others, like Jalen Hurts and Drew Brees, have won Super Bowls despite their shorter stature.

Cade Klubnik, the New York Jets’ fourth-round pick from April’s NFL draft, isn’t as small as a Brees or Hurts, but he isn’t as tall as a Brady or Manning. But what the Clemson product has shown throughout the pre-draft process and rookie minicamp is an important intangible necessary for any signal-caller…

Leadership.

As the Jets continue with their offseason workouts, Klubnik won’t be expected to see the field much during his rookie campaign. No matter, though, because the early NFL quarterback comparisons for the former ACC champion should remind many of an NFL All-Pro.

All-Pro comp for Jets

Klubnik’s college career should remind many fans of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. When Prescott was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 draft, the Mississippi State signal-caller was not expected to start.

Dallas had Tony Romo. There was no way the Cowboys would turn the keys over to a rookie signal-caller with clear deficiencies in his game.

Right?

Everyone knows the story. Romo suffered a back injury, and Prescott took the reins, never looking back.

The similarities between Klubnik and Prescott from their college days are noteworthy, even if their games are different. Klubnik went 26-14 as a starting quarterback. Prescott went 23-10. That’s a mere .04% difference in win percentage.

Klubnik threw 73 touchdowns to 24 interceptions over his college career, while completing 64% of his passes. Prescott totaled 70 touchdowns to 23 interceptions, with a completion percentage of over 62%.

Dallas’ All-Pro quarterback is more of a runner than Klubnik, but the Clemson product’s accuracy was more celebrated during the draft process. While both quarterbacks are 6-foot-2, Prescott has over 30 pounds on Klubnik.

The intangibles

In the end, though, it’s the answer Klubnik gave to reporters on Saturday at rookie camp that brings the biggest comp to Prescott.

“In my mind, I’m a winner,” Klubnik told the media after Saturday’s rookie minicamp session. “I don’t mean that in a boastful way; I just think that’s the mentality you [must have] as a quarterback. [I also] think that my resume has shown that as well.”

Prescott set the Mississippi State football records for wins. Klubnik never won a National Championship, but he’s one of the better Clemson quarterbacks in program history.

The Jets like Klubnik a lot. They see him as a fit for their offensive scheme.

One key reason the comparison to Prescott is sound, though, is the unrelenting leadership the Clemson product exudes each time he steps on the field.

Despite the comparison to Prescott, it would be foolish to expect the Jets to throw Klubnik out on the field during his rookie season. Geno Smith is going to be the starting quarterback, and he’s been durable for the most part throughout his career.

Nonetheless, there’s nothing wrong with featuring a spark of excitement for young Klubnik.

Klubnik stands out at rookie camp

He was an early winner during rookie minicamp, showcasing his quality accuracy and touch on throws throughout the two days of work. It’s important to remember that this is just rookie minicamp — featuring first-year players, tryout invitees, and fringe roster players — so much of this should be taken into account.

What’s critical are the smarts and personality traits. It’s his team-first mindset that stands out.

“I battled two major injuries throughout the year, and we were sitting there at 3-5 with all of our dreams and goals out the window,” Klubnik added, when referencing his disappointing 2025 campaign. “I kind of had to look in the mirror, and look at my teammates, and say, ‘This is bigger than us. This is going to be special.’

“So, to turn that thing around, winning four straight games to end the year — and I’m pretty much limping onto every game, taking the elevator to meetings every day, because I couldn’t walk up the stairs, and had to shoot it up — for me, I think I truly learned how to face adversity, and just attack it.”

The Jets have lost many games over the last 15 years. They have tried many different options at quarterback. Future Hall-of-Famers, top draft picks, and free agent signings — none of them have worked.

Perhaps a comparison to a fellow fourth-round quarterback might finally do the trick.

If Cade Klubnik’s leadership and first impression are any indication, the New York Jets should be thrilled with the early returns.