It’s plays like this that give New York Jets fans reason to believe in fourth-round rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik.
During Wednesday’s joint practice against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Klubnik uncorked a 60-plus-yard deep pass to Arian Smith, dropping a beautifully placed ball over the defender for a touchdown.
Throughout training camp so far, Klubnik’s performances have been up and down, but his flashes have been very encouraging.
Klubnik is actively competing for the Jets’ QB2 job behind Geno Smith, and according to the team’s first unofficial depth chart, he is currently listed as the second-string signal-caller.
However, it’s important not to put too much stock in the unofficial depth chart, not only because it’s ahead of the preseason, but also because it’s compiled by the organization’s communications team instead of the coaching staff.
With a strong preseason, though, he could easily run away with the role. The Jets have a fourth-round pick committed to Klubnik, while the organization doesn’t have assets tied to Bailey Zappe or Brady Cook, his competitors for the role.
To boot, Zappe and Cook have each thrown more career interceptions than touchdown passes.
As for Arian Smith, he is looking to carve out a role in the Jets’ wide receiver room after a very quiet rookie season, where he was targeted just 16 times while hauling in seven receptions for 52 yards.
According to our own Joe Blewett, though, Smith’s separation flashed on film last year, and it was evident on that touchdown pass from Klubnik.
Smith, 24, certainly possesses a tantalizing ceiling thanks to his lightning speed, which helped him emerge as a dangerous deep threat throughout his college career at Georgia.
With the right quarterback, perhaps he can carve out a role as a situational deep threat, which is about all you can ask for from a fourth-round pick. Drops, though, have been his biggest issue, and to carve out a role in the pros, limiting drops is essential.
More plays like this, and the Jets certainly won’t be complaining.
