South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler enjoyed a terrific week at this year's Senior Bowl. Rattler did his pre-draft stock a favor in Mobile while thriving in a competitive environment. After a steady week-long showing, the Gamecocks standout has established himself as a top-100 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rattler was consistently the most impressive quarterback throughout the three practices and Saturday's game. That’s particularly notable since he was competing with two potential first-round quarterbacks in Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. Rattler carried his practice form into Saturday's showcase.
Spencer Rattler wanted this moment. I caught a quick snapshot prior to the game of him enjoying the moment. #MVP #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/sP4TGc7VUr
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) February 3, 2024
Rattler was named Senior Bowl MVP as his American Team defeated the National Team 16-7. The Phoenix, Arizona native was limited to two series as both sides rotated quarterbacks, but he maximized his reps by completing all four of his passing attempts for 65 yards and two touchdowns.
Rattler played with extreme confidence. He threw up an accurate one-versus-one ball to Georgia wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, who made an incredible contested grab in the end zone. It was the cherry on top of an excellent week for Rattler.
A dime from @SpencerRattler to @rosemy_marcus on the first drive for the American squad 🔥 @GamecockFB @GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/3Ctqyj8AJR
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 3, 2024
It's been quite the journey for the former five-star quarterback who was replaced by Caleb Williams at Oklahoma. Following his exit from the program, Rattler transferred to South Carolina and reinvented himself. This past season, he threw for a career-high 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns while throwing four fewer interceptions (8) than the previous year (12). A plus-athlete who can extend plays with his legs, Rattler added four rushing touchdowns to his totals.
Somewhere between three and six quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round. Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels are locked into the first round. Nix, J.J. McCarthy, and Penix Jr. are hopeful of joining the opening 32 selections. Teams that don't take the plunge on a first-round signal caller will be searching for value in the middle rounds. Rattler should be the most desirable quarterback available at that point.
Rattler is a naturally gifted passer with the arm talent required to test tight throwing windows. Rattler threatens all three levels of the field with precise accuracy and ball placement. When faced with man coverage, Rattler is capable of driving the football into his receiver's window. When testing zone coverage, Rattler can identify open spaces to target his man.
NFL coaching staffs will appreciate Rattler's willingness and ability to push the ball vertically off play-action concepts. An experienced three-and-a-half-year starter, there are little-to-no wasted movements when Rattler operates from the pocket and well-developed mechanics are present. He's capable of operating from within structure and possesses enough mobility necessary to extend plays when protection breaks down. With 16 career rushing touchdowns to his name, opposing defenses must be wary of the threat Rattler poses with his legs.
All 32 franchises walked away impressed with how Rattler carried himself on and off the field in Mobile. A mature leader, Rattler undeniably boosted his pre-draft stock at this year's Senior Bowl through quality performances and offers terrific value in the second or third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
