The Unofficial Speed: What Is Kaidon Salter's 40-Yard Dash Time And Why Does It Matter For The 2026 NFL Draft?

The question of Kaidon Salter’s 40-yard dash time is one of the most frequently searched queries as the dual-threat quarterback prepares for his potential 2026 NFL Draft journey. As of the current date in late 2025, there is no recent, officially verified, laser-timed 40-yard dash result from an NFL Combine or a major collegiate Pro Day. This lack of a definitive, modern number forces scouts and analysts to rely on older, high school-era results and, more importantly, a deep dive into his on-field performance to truly gauge his elite athleticism. The most widely circulated numbers for Salter's speed are based on estimates and historical data, but the consensus among NFL Draft analysts is that his burst and acceleration are significant factors in his high-ceiling dual-threat profile. His ability to extend plays and create yardage with his legs is a core component of his game, making his functional football speed far more critical than a straight-line sprint time.

Kaidon Salter: Full Biography and Athletic Profile

Kaidon Salter is a dynamic quarterback whose collegiate career has been marked by high-level production and a notable transfer history, culminating in a prime role in the Big 12 Conference. His physical attributes and history lay the groundwork for his reputation as an athletic playmaker.

• Full Name: Kaidon Salter
• Born: April 4, 2003
• Age (as of late 2025): 22
• Hometown: Cedar Hill, Texas
• Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
• Weight: 190–200 lbs (86–91 kg)
• Position: Quarterback (QB)
• High School: Cedar Hill High School (Texas)
• College Career:
  • Tennessee Volunteers (2021)
  • Liberty Flames (2022–2024)
  • Colorado Buffaloes (2025–Present)
• NFL Draft Eligibility: 2026
• Key Athletic Trait: Dual-Threat Ability, Arm Talent, and Playmaking Scramble Speed

Salter’s journey from a highly-touted four-star recruit to the starting quarterback at the University of Colorado highlights his resilience and high-end talent. His time at Liberty was particularly successful, where he became known for his efficiency and ability to lead an explosive offense.

The Mystery of the 40-Yard Dash: Unofficial Times and Estimates

The official 40-yard dash time for Kaidon Salter remains an elusive figure because, as a 2026 NFL Draft prospect, he has not yet participated in the NFL Combine or his official Pro Day. The numbers that do exist come with significant caveats, dating back to his high school testing.

The Historical 4.85-Second Result

The earliest and most frequently cited 40-yard dash time for Salter is 4.85 seconds. This result was recorded at a prestigious high school event, The Opening Regional, back in 2018. While this is a laser-timed result, it’s crucial to understand that it was recorded when Salter was significantly younger and lighter, likely before he fully matured into his college physique. For a modern dual-threat quarterback, a 4.85-second time would be considered below average for his position’s athletic ceiling.

The Scouted Estimate: 4.59 Seconds

More recent scouting reports and draft databases, which attempt to project a player’s speed based on film analysis and functional athleticism, have placed Salter’s estimated 40-yard dash time in the 4.59-second range. Some scouting profiles even suggest a range with a low of 4.52 seconds and a high of 4.68 seconds. This dramatically faster estimate is much more representative of the burst he demonstrates on the field and aligns with the speed expected of a true dual-threat quarterback in today's game.

This estimated time of 4.59 seconds would put him in the conversation with some of the faster scrambling quarterbacks in the NFL, such as Jalen Hurts or Lamar Jackson, though he is not projected to be quite in the elite tier of speedsters. The difference between the 4.85s and 4.59s is a testament to the physical development and training a player undergoes between high school and their NFL-eligible season.

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Why Functional Game Speed Trumps the 40-Yard Dash Time

For a quarterback like Kaidon Salter, a straight-line sprint time is a less meaningful metric than his functional game speed and ability to execute in the pocket. Salter's value to the Colorado Buffaloes and his future NFL Draft stock hinges on his dual-threat capability—the combination of his arm talent and his elite athleticism.

The Dual-Threat Advantage

Salter is not just a runner; he is a quarterback who runs to keep the defense honest and extend plays. Scouts look beyond the raw 40-time to evaluate his:

• Acceleration and Burst: His ability to go from a standstill in the pocket to top speed quickly, a trait crucial for escaping pressure and gaining first downs.
• Elusiveness and Agility: His lateral quickness, shuttle time, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, which are better measured by the 20-yard shuttle and 3-cone drill than the 40-yard dash.
• Rushing Production: His college career has featured significant rushing yardage and rushing touchdowns, demonstrating he is a legitimate threat outside the pocket. At Liberty, he was a key part of an offense that relied on his ability to create explosive plays.

His ability to vary ball speed and trajectory, coupled with his good arm velocity, makes him a true challenge for defenses. His athleticism forces the defense to dedicate a spy or adjust their coverage, opening up opportunities for his receivers.

Impact on 2026 NFL Draft Stock

As a 2026 NFL Draft prospect, Salter’s stock is tied to his continued development at Colorado and his performance in the Big 12. The anticipation surrounding his official athletic testing is high because a sub-4.60 second 40-yard dash, combined with his demonstrated arm talent, would significantly boost his appeal to NFL teams looking for a modern, mobile quarterback. He is already being recognized on early 2026 draft boards, underscoring his potential.

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If Salter can post an official 40-yard dash time near the estimated 4.59 seconds, it will confirm his elite athleticism and cement his position as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the 2026 class. Until then, the film of his explosive runs and playmaking ability serves as the most accurate measure of his true football speed.

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