For the first time since 1983, six quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. The 2024 NFL Draft class of quarterbacks may have had questions, but the needs of organizations left no other choice for top prospects like Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy.
With six players gone, the best remaining quarterback available on draft boards is South Carolina veteran Spencer Rattler. After a college career at both Oklahoma and with the Gamecocks, Rattler’s big arm could be an enticing prospect for some teams.
But where exactly will he end up going?
Why Hasn’t Spencer Rattler Been Drafted Yet?
Rattler has comfortably been the seventh-ranked quarterback of the 2024 class. While he was a high recruit coming out of high school, the Phoenix native transferred from Oklahoma after losing the starting job to Caleb Williams (now the top overall pick).
Rattler’s arm talent and athleticism always made him a player to watch in draft circles but his lack of consistency was something that kept him down as an overall prospect.
With six players ahead of him all drafted, Rattler’s chances of being a first-round pick were always slim, but it’s at least allowed him to be the best available signal-caller available on Day 2.
Let’s learn more about Rattler as a prospect and some teams that could end up having interest.
Rattler’s Draft Profile
According to Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Rattler is still projected as a high second-round pick. According to Cummings, Rattler is considered an overall project at the position with a solid ceiling.
“Rattler is a very capable creator with the arm talent to elongate throwing windows and drive passes to places that only his WR can reach,” Cummings said. “By all accounts, he’s matured throughout his football career, and his growth in 2023 does bring some optimism.”
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report on Spencer Rattler
With supreme arm talent and athleticism, Rattler should be an enticing project for plenty of teams in the second or third round.
Rattler’s Potential Landing Spots
Due to the rush at quarterback in Round 1, the teams needing quarterbacks have dwindled over the last 24 hours. That’s ok for Rattler, though, because there are still plenty of organizations that will (and should) be interested in addressing the position as a whole.
Las Vegas Raiders
If you were to take a straw poll right now, the favorite to land Rattler in the draft would probably be the Raiders. Vegas was in the market to trade up for a quarterback but couldn’t get past Atlanta taking Penix.
The Raiders still have Aidan O’Connell, who they are high on, and signed Gardner Minshew in free agency, but the expectation is that they’ll still look to address signal-caller in the draft. Rattler’s big arm and personality could be a perfect fit for Vegas.
New York Giants
The Giants moved swiftly to get the top available pass catcher when they drafted Malik Nabers No. 6 overall. Now, with the board falling to them, Rattler could be an option for the team in Round 2.
New York was interested in taking a quarterback (specifically Drake Maye) in the first round, but they could use the South Carolina QB as a developmental piece to learn behind Daniel Jones.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are an interesting team in this situation. Matthew Stafford wants a new deal, but he’s 36 years old. No one knows how effective he will be in a few years, so having a natural succession plan would make a lot of sense for Sean McVay.
Rattler possesses many qualities that Stafford has shown over his career, so it could be a solid pick in Round 2 or even Round 3.
San Francisco 49ers
This may be a surprise due to the team’s success with Brock Purdy, but the 49ers have never been afraid to try and upgrade the quarterback position in the draft.
KEEP READING: Best Remaining Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft After Round 1
Rattler has a bigger overall arm than Purdy does and could be the next type of QB prospect that head coach Kyle Shanahan looks to work with. Don’t be too surprised if this happens.
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