Former South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler had a surprising fall in the 2024 NFL Draft, waiting until the fifth round to be selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 150th overall pick. Rattler’s former coach, Shane Beamer, expressed disappointment in how far Rattler fell in the draft, attributing it to unfavorable scouting reports and pre-draft narratives. Despite some analysts projecting Rattler to go in the second or third round, he ultimately had to wait until the fifth round to hear his name called.
Beamer took to social media to defend Rattler’s character and leadership skills, emphasizing that NFL teams had not expressed the concerns that led to his drop in the draft. He commended Rattler for his resilience and ability to overcome adversity, and expressed confidence that he would become a future starter in the NFL. Rattler himself expressed gratitude for being selected by the Saints, stating that he was happy to be drafted and eager to make the most of the opportunity.
One possible factor that may have impacted Rattler’s draft stock was his appearance on the reality show “QB1: Beyond the Lights” during his high school years. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that multiple teams mentioned Rattler’s portrayal on the show as a concern that they could not shake. This serves as a cautionary tale for young athletes about the potential consequences of their public image and how it can influence their future opportunities.
Despite the challenges and scrutiny, Rattler has an impressive college football resume, having started his career at Oklahoma before transferring to South Carolina. He accumulated over 10,000 passing yards and 77 touchdowns throughout his college career, showcasing his talent and potential as a quarterback at the professional level. Beamer and others have highlighted Rattler’s strengths as a player and a person, expressing optimism about his future in the NFL and his ability to succeed in the league.
Ultimately, Rattler’s draft experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft and the various factors that can influence a player’s draft stock. While some may have been surprised by Rattler’s fall to the fifth round, his supporters remain confident in his abilities and believe that he has the potential to prove his doubters wrong in the NFL. As Rattler embarks on this next chapter of his football career with the New Orleans Saints, he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and make a name for himself in the league.
