FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Spencer Rattler

Spencer Rattler (QB – South Carolina)

6’1” – 217 lbs.

Background:

Five-star recruit who originally attended Oklahoma. Redshirted in 2019, then took over the starting job the following year, finishing with 3,031 yards (67.5%, 9.6 YPA), 28 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Also ran for six touchdowns, and led the team to a 9-2 record in the eleven games he appeared in. Lost his starting job to Caleb Williams after six starts in the 2021 season, despite winning every game he started; finished with 1,483 yards, eleven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Transferred to South Carolina and went 8-5 as the starter in 2022, with 3,026 yards (66.2%, 7.6), eighteen touchdowns, and twelve interceptions. Decided to return for the 2023 season, but the team slipped to 5-7 despite a more efficient season from their quarterback: 3,186 yards (68.9%, 8.0), nineteen touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Positives:

Has over forty starts to his name, and succeeded in two very different systems, including the more pro-style South Carolina offense. Was a captain on both teams. Some elements of his game look very natural. Clean footwork with no heel click at the end of his drops, and looks light on his feet in the pocket. Has good elasticity in his throwing motion and a quick release. Can get the ball out on time on rhythm throws. Flashes the ability to throw with anticipation. Able to alter his arm angle as needed. Overall arm talent and velocity looks good, with some jump as the ball leaves his hands. Has the confidence to test relatively tight windows; doesn’t need to see guys wide open. Effective when working off of play-action on package plays. Gets a good arc on his downfield throws. Shows good escapability in the pocket to elude defenders and buy time; does a nice job of climbing against outside pressure as well. Tough enough to stand in the pocket and take a hit to complete a throw. Can pick up first-downs with his feet at times.

Negatives:

Will be a 24-year-old rookie. A bit shorter than teams generally like at the position. Offense featured a somewhat higher percentage of screens and short throws than usual, averaging about sixty percent of passes with the Gamecocks. Would like to see him go through progressions quicker. Eats more sacks than usual, and can sometimes drop his eyes against pressure; would like to see him stand in the pocket and make a throw more consistently, or at least get rid of the ball and live to fight another day. Placement on some screens and shorter throws can force adjustments. Overall accuracy further downfield can be impacted by the lack of a consistent base on his throws. Above-average athlete, but not really a true dual-threat. Has faced criticism for his leadership style.

Summary:

Wasn’t quite able to live up to the hype in school, but you can also see flashes of why he was so highly-regarded coming out of school, as he has some natural elements to his game and a fluid, elastic arm with a quick release and solid velocity. At the same time, he tends to hold the ball a bit longer than you’d like, and that leads to sacks or issues with ball placement as he faces pressure. Those inconsistencies to his game will probably relegate him to being more of a mid-round option with more upside than usual for his draft position, but with frustrating elements to his game.

Projection: Round 4