NFL Draft 2011: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick Continues to Impress Scouts

Former University of Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick had an excellent workout at NFL Pro Days, impressing scouts and improving his draft stock in the process.

The tall 6'6" quarterback was on target all day long, completing 36 of his 38 passes.

Kaepernick opted to keep the 40-yard time that he posted at the combine, which was probably a smart decision. Despite his size, Kaepernick's time of 4.53 in the 40-yard-dash was the second highest of any quarterback at the combine.

What impresses scouts most about Kaepernick is his tremendously strong throwing arm. He was actually drafted by the Major League Baseball Chicago Cubs in 2009 after showing the ability to throw a baseball 94 miles per hour, but declined to remain at the University of Nevada. 

Kaepernick has been clocked throwing a football as fast as 59 miles per hour, which is faster than Cam Newton or Ryan Mallett displayed.

If there is a knock on Kaepernick, it is his long, drawn-out windup, particularly on deep throws. However, unlike last year's draft prospect Tim Tebow, for example, Kaepernick is still able to get the ball out of his hands very quickly.

According to NBC Sports, Kaepernick has private workouts scheduled with the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. He has already met with the Dolphins, Eagles, Niners and Titans.

Recently thought of as a third or fourth round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Kaepernick is beginning to look more like a first or a second round draft choice. In just the last seven months, Kaepernick has transformed from a solid quarterback with speed to one of the most highly sought after quarterbacks on the market. 

Last season, Kaepernick had an outstanding senior season for Nevada, throwing for 21 touchdowns and running for an additional 20.

In the process, he set career-highs with 3022 passing yards and a 64.9 completion percentage. He is the only quarterback in college football history to throw for more at least 10,000 yards and rush for at least 4,000 yards

Kaepernick led Nevada over Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, completing a 13-1 season, its most successful season since joining Division 1 football.

If not for Cam Newton's otherworldly performance in 2010, it's possible we would be talking about Kaepernick as the quarterback with the most upside.

Either way, he figures to be one of the top five quarterbacks selected and likely an NFL starter down the road.