The New Orleans Saints may have got the answer to their prayers. Every year, the NFL has a few diamond-in-the-rough players from the later rounds of the NFL Draft. Last year, Puka Nacua was picked up in the 5th round and 20th receiver overall. Not only did Nacua outplay the 19 receivers drafted ahead of him, but he broke the NFL record in receiving yards and receptions for NFL rookies.
Of course, it is impossible at this point to know which 5th or 6th rounder will end up being this year’s diamond-in-the-rough draft pick, but the New Orleans Saints believe they have a strong candidate.
NFL Record QB’s Taken in the First Round… Then Nothing
The 2024 NFL Draft saw the most top-heavy QB draft in league history. Not only were the top three picks all quarterbacks, but six of the first 12 were with Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix all getting picked up before a defensive player was drafted.
But then something crazy happened. The rest of the first round ended without another draft pick. Then the second, third, and fourth rounds went by, and still, no more quarterbacks. There started to be real questions about whether another quarterback would be drafted. Even a punter was drafted in the fourth round.
That finally ended in the middle of the fifth round when the New Orleans Saints selected Spencer Rattler with the 150th overall pick.
Spencer Rattler is One of the Most Interesting Prospects
When Spencer Rattler started his college career with Oklahoma, he was considered the next big-time shoo-in to be an NFL great. Beginning his redshirt freshman year, Rattler played in 11 games and threw for 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, as well as six rushing touchdowns. The Sooners ranked 7th in the AP poll, capped off by a 55-20 beatdown against Florida.
Going into his RS-sophomore year, Rattler was viewed as a Heisman favorite. However, after struggling early in the season (albeit to a 5-0 start), Rattler was replaced against Texas. Caleb Williams led the Sooners to a huge comeback and ultimately took over from there.
This seemed to affect Rattler, who was benched for the first time. He transferred the next season and played for South Carolina the past two seasons, where he was serviceable but never a top-tier quarterback again.
Much of his stock likely came from his great year at Oklahoma and hoping he could find his mojo again.
New Orleans Saints Hope Rattler Can Be a Future Quarterback
Normally, when a quarterback is picked up in any round outside the first, the quarterback is seen more as a developmental quarterback or a solid backup. For many quarterbacks, this is a great position to be in. They still get paid a ton (after the rookie deal ends), and they get to work behind some of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Rattler certainly wasn’t drafted with the expectation of starting on Day 1, but with Derek Carr and Jake Haener in the current quarterback room, the Saints were surely hoping for a surprise, and according to reports, they may be on the right track.
According to NFL Rookie Watch, a site that follows players following the NFL Draft, Spencer Rattler has been “lighting it up” at the Saints Mini-Camp.
With Derek Carr’s history of sub-par play and the Saints hoping to get back in the Playoff picture, Rattler’s opportunity may come pretty early in the season if he continues to show well during practice.
Spencer Rattler letting it FLY 😳
Rattler has reportedly been “lighting it up” at Saints minicamp.
Some people around the league reportedly believe Rattler could see some playing time this season.
The Saints may have landed a STEAL. pic.twitter.com/ut1mZ702Ya
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) June 16, 2024
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