TaylorHeinicke

TJ Wengert·Feb 18

He profiles as a Bo Nix–style quarterback, but with backup-level traits.

The arm is a step below, and the frame is not quite as filled out, but the play style is similar: rhythm passer, quick decision maker, and comfortable operating in structure. Clemson’s season as a whole was disappointing, but Klubnik’s final five to six games were noticeably better and closer to what you want to see from a developmental trajectory. There was more steadiness, fewer chaotic reps, and better overall command of the offense. Coming into the year, I wondered if his body type and movement skills could eventually lead to a “spunky starter” path, something in the Taylor Heinicke mold. Realistically, though, he looks more like a long-term backup who can run an offense competently when needed. At the Shrine Bowl, the tape was solid. Accuracy was fine, the ball came out quickly enough, and nothing looked broken. He is very much a “what you see is what you get” quarterback. Bottom line: Klubnik is a low-cost backup option with a Bo Nix–adjacent play style. He is not someone you draft chasing upside. You draft him because you want a functional, steady QB2 who can keep the offense on schedule if pressed into action.

Daniel Popper·Aug 9

Harris had two third-down drops in Friday’s practice. The rookie now has four drops in the past three practices. On the first drop, Harris ran a dig route on a third-and-10 in seven-on-seven. He was working with the second-team offense and quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke threw to Harris. The ball went off his hands, and safety RJ Mickens caught the tipped pass for an interception. Later in practice, Harris won on a go route past cornerback Deane Leonard. Herbert threw a perfect deep ball. Harris dropped it. Harris had 15 drops in college at Ole Miss, including five in eight games as a senior. Harris did have a touchdown while working with the third-team offense in seven-on-seven. He beat rookie cornerback Eric Rogers down the right sideline, and rookie DJ Uiagalelei made a great throw on the play. Harris did well to raise his hands late in the route to prevent Rogers from reacting and breaking up the pass.