How Good is Spencer Rattler Actually?
Despite his up-and-down college career, Rattler entered the 2024 NFL Draft with hopes of finding a team that could develop him into a consistent starter. He was eventually selected in the 5th round by the New Orleans Saints. Given his pedigree and natural talent, many saw this as a steal for the Saints, who could take the time to develop Rattler behind an established veteran.
However, being drafted in the 5th round is a far cry from the early first-round projections that followed Rattler early in his college career. *So* the question remains: can Rattler live up to his potential in the NFL, or will he continue to struggle with the same issues that plagued him in college?
The Talent Is There, But Consistency Is Key
When evaluating Spencer Rattler, there’s no denying that he has all the physical tools to be an elite quarterback. His arm strength allows him to make every throw on the field, and his ability to extend plays with his legs adds a valuable dimension to his game. When he’s locked in, Rattler can look like one of the best quarterbacks in football, as evidenced by his performances against Tennessee and Clemson in 2022.
*But* the biggest knock on Rattler throughout his career has been his consistency. His decision-making and accuracy have been erratic at times, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. In the NFL, where the margin for error is even smaller, these issues could be magnified. For Rattler to succeed at the next level, he’ll need to improve his ability to read defenses, make quicker decisions, and avoid forcing throws into tight windows.
But sometime athletes just need an opportunity to prove themselves. Spencer Rattler had worked his way into a backup role and now with Derek Carr sidelined, Rattler has an actual shot to step in as the starting QB. This will hopefully offer the Saints with more versatility in the QB position considering Rattler has proven that he can extend and make plays on his feet.
Quote “ "We talked a lot as a staff about what we felt like was the best thing for us and give us the best chance to win the game," Allen said, [via the team website](https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news.... "That was the decision that we made and we're excited about him getting the opportunity to go in there, and we'll let him go play and see what he can do."
Conclusion: A Quarterback with Untapped Potential
**So**, how good is Spencer Rattler? On one hand, he has the raw talent and potential to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and perhaps even a star if he can iron out his inconsistencies. On the other hand, his college career was marked by uneven performances, and his ability to develop into a reliable pro remains uncertain.
Ultimately, Rattler’s NFL future will depend on whether he can learn from his past mistakes and grow into the quarterback many once believed he could be. If he can do that, he may still have a bright future ahead of him.