Spencer Rattler Evaluation: Troublesome Tendencies

The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler brings a great deal of experience.

He has over 1,300 passes while appearing in 48 games in five seasons.

Rattler was rated a four-star recruit by ESPN and a five-star recruit by 247 Sports coming out of high school. He eventually committed to Oklahoma before transferring to South Carolina. Rattler showcased his talents on his pro day on March 12, 2024.

2023 Summary:

Rattler’s 2023 season featured several inconsistencies and struggles against top competition. His stat line resulted in 275/399 (68.9%) 3,186 yards (8.0 AVG) 19 TDs & 8 INTs.

Overall, though, the quarterback displayed impressive arm strength and talent.

Overview: Spencer Rattler

6-foot-1, 217 Pounds

Arm: 31″

Hand: 9.88″

40 Time: 4.95 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

2023 Stats: 275/399 (68.9%) 3,186 yards (8.0 AVG) 19 TDs & 8 INTs.

Level of Competition: High

Colton Edwards Grade: Fifth-Round

2022 Film Evaluated: Arkansas, Georgia, and Kentucky

2023 Film Evaluated: Clemson, Florida, and Georgia

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

High-end NFL arm talent with impressive strength, angle freedom, and quick release. Rattler puts plenty of velocity on the ball to drive it outside the numbers. Has the shoulder flexibility to adjust his release point and deliver with accuracy. Can create opportunities inside and outside of the pocket with his pocket movement and mobility. When escaping the pocket, he keeps his eyes downfield and can deliver with accuracy. His arm strength allows him to drive passes at all levels of the field (short, intermediate, and deep). He displays good accuracy at the short and intermediate levels with the awareness to check down. Able to lead his receivers with zip and accuracy on short routes, opening up potential YAC opportunities. Showcases impressive ball placement with touch on “go’s”, corners, and fades.

Weaknesses: Although Rattler brings plenty of strengths to the table, he also needs to refine a few things. He lacks field vision and has tendencies to focus on one receiver post-snap. This can lead to safeties keying on his eyes and opening up potential turnovers. Has mechanical inconsistencies (often). Questionable decision-making ability with a lack of anticipation across the field. Struggles against post-snap coverage rotations. Undisciplined pocket habits include occasionally bailing clean pockets early, allowing negative plays and potential turnovers in off-script situations, and drifting too far back which allows the edge rushers to make a play. Finally, he has an inconsistent internal clock.

Summary:

Rattler’s college journey was up and down but prevailed and demonstrated an impressive work ethic while being coachable. He showcases the ability to go through progressions at times, as well as displaying impressive accuracy while leading his receivers for yards after the catch (YAC) opportunities. He needs to focus and develop on ball security and decision-making while working on anticipation and consistency. His tendencies are concerning. However, he is a developmental QB with backup utility early in his career (mentored by the right guy). Plus, he has the physical tools and arm talent to “potentially” become a starter at the next level.

Who will he remind us of?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF(Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. He aspires to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.