San Francisco 49ers: Should Jim Harbaugh Start Colin Kaepernick from Day 1?

As Jim Harbaugh prepares for his first season as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, the first question he will need to answer is who will be his opening day quarterback.

Harbaugh has two realistic options, Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick.  Smith, the much maligned veteran is expected to sign with the 49ers once the lockout is lifted.  On the other hand, the 49ers traded up to get Kaepernick in the second round of the recent draft and will want him on the field as soon as possible.

I will list the pro's and con's of starting Kaepernick on day 1, then conclude with my recommendation.

Kaepernick Should Start: Pro # 1

Colin Kaepernick should start on day one based on his tremendous athleticism.  In college, at the University of Nevada, Kaepernick was the only college quarterback to rush for over 4,000 yards and pass for over 10,000 yards.

The 49ers' offensive line is quite suspect and had problems all last year protecting the passer.  Kaepernick's outstanding ability to break from the pocket and run will be a huge asset for the 49ers.

Kaepernick is also blessed with a powerful arm.  He can make the tough deep sideline throws and deliver the long ball.  This should help Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree improve on their yards per catch and touchdown statistics.

Kaepernick's mobility and running prowess rivals that of former 49er great, Steve Young.  The 49ers would be well served to take advantage of those skills and build their offense around Kaepernick.

Kaepernick Should Not Start: Con # 1

Colin Kaepernick flourished in a unique offense, called the Pistol, which was implemented by Nevada head coach Chris Ault.  Nevada was the only team in major college football to utilize this system exclusively.

Although I do not believe Kaepernick is only a product of the system, he definitely benefited from it.  Much like quarterbacks who came from a spread offense, it takes time to learn the pro style offense. 

It's hard enough to succeed right away as a quarterback in the NFL, and even tougher when you come from a collegiate system that is unlike a pro style offense. 

Alex Smith, for example, is one of many quarterbacks who have not found success in the NFL after running the spread offense in college.  The Pistol is even farther away from a pro style system than the spread.

Kaepernick will need time to learn and adjust to Jim Harbaugh's complex offensive playbook. Starting him on day one is a very bad idea.

Kaepernick Should Start: Pro # 2

Colin Kaepernick is the quarterback of the future and the future is now.  The 49ers did not trade up to draft Kaepernick unless they plan to use him.

Kaepernick, who is adopted, has had many tough life experiences and he can handle the pressure.  The NFL will be a relative drop in the bucket compared to the issues Kaepernick had to deal with growing up.

Jim Harbaugh has met with Kaepernick on multiple occasions and is very impressed with him.  He has all the physical tools and excellent leadership qualities that Harbaugh really liked.

Kaepernick has tremendous upside and the sooner the 49ers begin to tap into that, the better. 

Kaepernick Should Not Start: Con # 2

Colin Kaepernick has a lot to learn before he's ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.  In addition to Jim Harbaugh's complex offensive system, Kaepernick will need to learn defenses and how to make quick and correct reads.

Reading defenses and going through multiple reads on pass plays is something Kaepernick will need to gain experience with.  In Nevada, with the Pistol offense, Kaepernick would rarely go through multiple progressions, as he typically took off and ran when his first target was covered or a play broke down.

Kaepernick can definitely make plays with his legs, but Harbaugh will want more discipline from his quarterback.  This is something that must be learned and that takes time.

Kaepernick Should Start: Pro # 3

Colin Kaepernick should be starting on day one because Alex Smith has had his chances and it's time to move on.  The 49er fans were ready to run him out of town, but now, due to the labor dispute it appears to be a foregone conclusion that Smith will be back with the 49ers. 

I can already hear the boos cascading down from the stands the first time Smith throws an interception or loses a fumble.  Jim Harbaugh should start with a clean slate and rid himself of the baggage of the previous regime.

Rather than prolong the futility that was Alex Smith over the past six years, the 49ers and their fans deserve better.  Kaepernick's learning curve will be accelerated by starting and nobody really wants to see another season of Smith leading the 49ers.

Kaepernick Should Not Start: Con # 3

New 49er head coach must ask himself which quarterback gives him the best chance for success in 2011, Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick.

While it is true that Smith has struggled over his six year NFL career, Harbaugh firmly believes that Smith has what it takes to be a good quarterback.  As an accomplished NFL quarterback in his own right, Harbaugh knows a lot about what it takes to be successful at that position.

He is also well known for not only his very solid quarterback play, but in developing some good, young quarterbacks in college.  While at the University of San Diego, Harbaugh turned a raw and athletic kid into an NFL caliber quarterback, as Josh Johnson is now playing for Tampa Bay.

In addition, Harbaugh had a hand in developing the myriad of NFL ready skills, with Andrew Luck at Stanford.  Harbaugh believes he can change the fortunes of Alex Smith and based on his track record, should be given the opportunity to do so.

My Recommendation Is Alex Smith

Colin Kaepernick is the quarterback of the future for the San Francisco 49ers.  However, it would be extremely unfair to Kaepernick if Jim Harbaugh started him in game one.  It's just too early.

I believe that Kaepernick will ultimately become a good NFL starting quarterback.  He's smart and has the physical attributes to excel.

However, there is just too much to learn, and absorb in just one training camp. Even with a full training camp, which is highly unlikely at this point, Kaepernick will be best off watching and learning from the sideline.

Alex Smith will also benefit from the tutelage of Harbaugh.  I believe he will have a good year, which will allow Kaepernick more time to develop and hone his skills.

My recommendation to be the starting quarterback in San Francisco this year is Alex Smith.  At this point in their careers, Smith will give the 49ers a better chance for success in 2011.