Chicago Cubs scout tells story of drafting 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick

The San Francisco 49ers are quite happy to have star quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but if things broke a different way, he could have one day been a member of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs drafted Kaepernick in the 43rd round of the 2009 draft and on Wednesday, scout Tim Wilken told the story of why Chicago took a chance on the Niners QB.

"When we went to our NFL sources, they thought he was just going to be a CFL guy, so I said: ‘Hey, let's take a run at (him),'" Wilken recalled. "Our football guys said that he had a sling in his arm action and they didn't think that was going to work in the NFL. They thought his release was long. This was like three different organizations telling us this.

(via CSN Chicago)

The Cubs went as far as offering Kapernick between $30,000 and $50,000 to come to the Arizona Fall League and throw some bullpen sessions for the team. Kaepernick never seriously considered joining the Cubs as a pitcher, as he was amassing record-breaking stats at Nevada. Kaepernick was then drafted in the second round by the 49ers, and history has been written from there.

Kaepernick has taken control of San Francisco's offense, adding new dimensions with his run prowess and ability to stretch the field with his passing ability. In 10 games this season, Kaepernick has totaled eight touchdowns and 1,424 total yards.