The New Orleans Saints seized a golden opportunity in this year’s NFL Draft by picking South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler in the fifth round. Despite being initially pegged as a potential first-overall pick a couple of years ago, Rattler’s draft stock plummeted due to a combination of factors. The Saints were fortunate to snag him late in the draft, gaining a potential successor for Derek Carr.
Why Did Spencer Rattler Drop?
Two notable football insiders, Ian Rapoport and Jeremy Fowler, shed light on why Rattler slipped so far. Rapoport explained that NFL teams were hesitant due to Rattler’s controversial portrayal in Netflix’s *QB1*, which documented his high school career. Fowler highlighted that it was primarily a “need issue,” where teams that had a strong interest in quarterbacks had already filled their needs.
Former South Carolina football QB Spencer Rattler shrugs of being picked 150th in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's just glad the New Orleans Saints chose him. #gamecocks #gamecockssports #scgamecocks #scfootball #gamecocksfootball https://t.co/SDdMkj8U2x pic.twitter.com/v7VMmTYYBs
— Gamecocks Fandom (@gamecocksfandom) May 2, 2024
Teams Passed Due to Needs, Not Talent
The Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos were reportedly “extremely high” on Rattler but opted for Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, respectively. The Las Vegas Raiders also calculated that their existing quarterback situation with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew was sufficient. With teams prioritizing other quarterback prospects or being content with their current rosters, Rattler found himself available in the fifth round.
New Orleans Saints’ Smart Bet
New Orleans finally took the plunge 138 picks after the Broncos selected Bo Nix. The Saints recognized the untapped potential in Rattler, who had shown glimpses of brilliance at South Carolina. Despite a rocky end to his Oklahoma career, where he was benched in favor of Caleb Williams, Rattler’s talent remained evident as he later helped the Gamecocks secure victories against top-tier teams like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Clemson.
The Future of Spencer Rattler
Rattler might not be ready to start for New Orleans immediately, but his impressive arm strength, accuracy, and playmaking ability are undeniable. With some development, he could become the long-term answer the Saints have been searching for since Drew Brees retired.
If he continues to hone his skills and mature under Carr’s mentorship, it’s possible that Saints fans could see Rattler step onto the field as the starting quarterback in the next couple of years.
Final Thoughts
In the fifth round of the NFL Draft, the Saints secured a hidden gem in Spencer Rattler. They understood that his talent wasn’t diminished by a single setback or reality show portrayal but could be cultivated into greatness. While other teams might regret passing on him due to perceived needs, New Orleans fans should be thrilled at the prospect of Rattler developing into a future franchise quarterback.
Source: Fansided
