Spencer Rattler NFL Draft scouting report: How former top prospect has transformed into draft sleeper

If you had been to inform a soccer fan earlier than 2019 that the 2024 NFL Draft class could be chock stuffed with gifted quarterbacks going within the first spherical, then most would assume Spencer Rattler could be in that class — if he wasn’t already within the NFL. 

At one level, Rattler was thought-about a sure-thing on the quarterback place. The Phoenix native was a five-star recruit popping out of highschool with a plethora of big-name faculties concerned with his arm. He was touted to be the next-best factor to return to the NCAA earlier than finally making a reputation for himself within the NFL. 

However, issues have turned out a bit otherwise for Rattler. The quarterback is trying to make the soar from faculty to the professionals, and his title most actually will likely be known as in some unspecified time in the future in the course of the NFL Draft, however he’s not the top-caliber prospect he as soon as was. 

Day 1 of the NFL Draft got here and went with out Rattler’s title being taken off the draft board. It would have been extra stunning had a workforce jumped up and nabbed him inside the first 32 picks, as Rattler was projected to go nicely behind the top group of QBs consisting of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, and Michael Penix Jr. 

Still, there’s expertise there with the South Carolina quarterback, and he may find yourself being probably the greatest sleeper picks of the draft. 

Here is extra on Rattler’s NCAA profession and what he brings to the NFL. 

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Spencer Rattler scouting report

The one factor that Rattler has by no means lacked — outdoors of confidence — is arm energy. He’s not the largest man (6-0, 211 kilos), however his throws are explosive. The ball will get onto receivers in a rush, and most of the time, it’s an correct throw for a receiver to herald. 

Rattler has proven a capability to make throws even on the hardest of angles. No one is out right here saying he can contort himself like Patrick Mahomes or Matthew Stafford, however he has these instruments if wanted. He can evade strain and discover throwing strains in and round defenders that different QBs can’t. 

The knock on Rattler is his aggressiveness, which stems from his confidence. He typically forces big-play throws that aren’t essentially wanted, leading to both turnovers or incompletions. While he has proven a capability to make use of his legs in faculty, his athleticism might not translate to the NFL stage, leaving questions on his scrambling potential. 

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Spencer Rattler stats

Rattler spent his first three seasons within the NCAA at Oklahoma. He noticed restricted motion his first season, however then broke out because the Sooners starter in 2020. He threw for over 3,000 passing yards and 28 touchdowns that season, serving to the Sooners to this system’s sixth consecutive Big 12 championship. 

The QB entered the 2021 season because the Heisman favourite, however issues fell aside for Rattler in 2021. He ended up being benched partway by the yr for Caleb Williams — sure, the identical Caleb Williams that went No. 1 total to the Bears — and didn’t play the remainder of the season. He then entered the switch portal, becoming a member of South Carolina for the 2022 season. 

With the Gamecocks, Rattler discovered his mojo once more, throwing for over 3,000 yards and not less than 18 touchdowns in every of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. While he threw 12 interceptions in 2022, he reduce that quantity right down to eight this previous season, ending his collegiate profession on a excessive word regardless of South Carolina’s 5-7 file. 

Below is a have a look at Rattler’s passing stats from his 5 seasons with the Sooners and Gamecocks:

Rattler additionally ran for 410 yards and 16 touchdowns on 297 profession carries throughout his profession. In faculty soccer, sacks are counted as destructive dashing makes an attempt, so Rattler’s scrambling numbers may enhance on the NFL stage. 

Spencer Rattler NFL mock draft

Mock draft projection: No. 81 total

Sporting News’ seven-round mock draft has Rattler being chosen 81st total by the Seahawks, giving Seattle a brand new backup possibility for Geno Smith. 

Seattle is sticking with Smith as its starter for now after the journeyman turned again the clock two years in the past, taking up because the top sign caller for the workforce after the Russell Wilson commerce to Denver. Bringing in Rattler provides the top another choice within the QB room, along with newly acquired Sam Howell. 

This is what SN’s Vinnie Iyer needed to say about his projection of Rattler to the Seahawks:

“Ratter’s combination of arm, athleticism, and experience should give him appeal as another quick developmental option to go with Sam Howell behind Geno Smith.”