Colorado Buffaloes Quarterback Kaidon Salter's Athleticism Turns Heads at Pro Day

At the Colorado Buffaloes’ Pro Day, their quarterback impressed with his athleticism in front of NFL scouts.

Sep 27, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

At the Colorado Buffaloes’ Pro Day on Tuesday, the Buffs’ leading passer from last season turned heads with his athleticism.

CU quarterback Kaidon Salter proved he has the versatility to fill a variety of roles at the next level.

Vertical Jump

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) passes the ball in the fourth quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

During the vertical jump evaluations, Salter put the room of scouts on notice with his leap. He recorded a 35.5-inch vertical jump, the most on the team out of any position group.

Kaidon Salter now owns the best vertical of the day at 35.5 pic.twitter.com/ArGRBUR1Z1

— Jack Carlough (@Jack_Carlough) March 31, 2026

Immediately, this raised the question: could Salter be used at a different position in the professional ranks?

It was certainly conceivable following that result. Salter measures 6-1, 190 pounds, and with the leaping ability he proved to possess, he could translate to a role at wide receiver, cornerback or potentially safety if he puts on some muscle mass.

While Salter didn’t compete in any other position drills at CU’s Pro Day, this was the first of several testing results that displayed him as a potential Swiss-Army knife at the next level.

Broad Jump

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) carries the ball for a touchdown as TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) defends during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Salter quickly followed up his impressive vertical jump performance by showing out in the broad jump. He once again set a team-high, leaping 10-6. The next furthest jump was by cornerback Ivan Yates, who leaped three inches shorter than Salter.

Salter made a positive impression in back-to-back drills, outleaping the cornerbacks and receivers on his team. This was impressive given his position, as his broad jump would’ve been the third-best among quarterbacks at the NFL Combine, while his vertical jump would’ve ranked fourth.

With Salter’s leaping ability standing out, it drew major attention to his 40-yard dash to see if he has the speed it takes to change positions at the next level.

40-Yard Dash

Sep 20, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) carries the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Salter’s 40-yard dash, while not bad by any means, left a little to be desired.

He ran a 4.63, good for fourth place out of the participating Buffs. In comparison to NFL Combine quarterbacks, Salter would’ve been the fourth-fastest participant. 

Kaidon Salter running his 40-yard dash at Pro Day pic.twitter.com/EONgwnRdYT

— Nikki Edwards (@nikkiedwardsss) March 31, 2026

But he wouldn’t stack up as well against players at positions he may be looking to transition to, such as wide receiver and defensive back. He would’ve ranked dead last at both positions by a minimum of .04 seconds.

But even if his speed isn’t quite up to par with NFL receivers or defensive backs, there are still other avenues for Salter to continue his football career.

Quarterback Kaidon Salter’s Newly-Created Options

Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) calls out in the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

One of the scouts in attendance was representing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). After Salter’s performances in the athleticism tests, the scout watched Salter’s throwing drills closer than maybe any other scout in attendance.

The CFL has been known to serve as an alternative route through professional football for players who go overlooked or unwanted by the NFL out of college. Players such as Warren Moon, Doug Flutie and Jeff Garcia are just a few examples at the quarterback position.

Salter’s speed would certainly work for CFL purposes, or other professional leagues such as the United Football League, for example. As for his jumping ability, it would be safely above average for wide receivers and defensive backs in those leagues, and far above average for quarterbacks.

Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) passes against Utah Utes linebacker Trey Reynolds (37) while blocked by running back Micah Welch (29) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

If Salter is open to a position switch, it could prolong his career, or at least improve his chances at finding a role at the next level.

Salter’s performance in his throwing drills was mediocre and didn’t stir up much discussion. Following a season that saw him throw for just 1,414 yards, 10 touchdowns to seven interceptions and got benched in favor of freshman Julian Lewis, that was not what Salter was hoping for to prove himself as a pro-level quarterback.

But due to the athleticism he displayed in testing, Salter made more money than he lost at CU’s Pro Day.

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