Matt Miller reveals how Spencer Rattler can impress scouts at 2024 NFL Combine

Spencer Rattler is set to show off his skills on Saturday at the 2024 NFL Combine. Expected to throw in front of NFL scouts, where could a strong showing slot the former five-star recruit among the rest of the quarterbacks in this year’s cycle?

According to ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, there has been talk of teams drafting the former South Carolina QB as high as the third round. Something that seemed out of the question just a couple of years ago.

“Let’s get back two years ago — there was talking about him as a potential first-round quarterback when he was in Oklahoma, before Caleb Williams took his job at halftime of the Red River Rivalry game,” Miller said on SportsCenter Saturday morning. “But this will be in a good environment for him.

“He had a strong Senior Bowl performance. He has the arm strength, he’s got the movement ability to really wow in a throwing setting like this. We look at some of the deep ball ability that he has, he can layer the ball over tops of defenses. I think the arm strength is really really going to stand out here throwing against air.”

Rattler arrived in South Carolina in 2022 after transferring in from Oklahoma. Although, he did not immediately see the kind of success he had likely hoped for. After throwing for more than 4,500 yards in two years at Oklahoma with 39 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions, Rattler struggled a bit in his first season in Columbia.

Interceptions were an issue, with Rattler throwing 12 picks in 2022 while throwing 18 touchdown passes. But he improved considerably this past season, hitting a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 19-8.

In turn, 2023 became the most productive year of his career, throwing for a career-high 3,186 yards to go with his aforementioned 19 touchdowns. He also scored four additional touchdowns on the ground.

Since the season ended, he’s continued to impress NFL scouts. Last month, Rattler came away with Reese’s Senior Bowl MVP honors despite his limited action. He was limited but completed all four passing attempts he threw. Rattler finished his first drive of the day with a 29-yard touchdown pass to former Georgia pass catcher Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. He ultimately ended the game 4-of-4 for 65 yards.

If Rattler can impress on Saturday at the combine, could Rattler live up to his status as a former blue-chip prospect out of high school?

If he can get in sync with these new wide receivers, Rattler is someone who could absolutely put on a show,” Miller continued. “And again, there is talk about him potentially being a third-round pick as someone who a lot of scouts think could eventually be a starter in the NFL.”

It remains to be seen if Rattler hears his name on day one, two, or three, he has the potential to make the most out of any opportunity he receives in the NFL. Whether he carves out his own niche as a backup, on the practice squad or as a starter — his journey starts on Saturday at the NFL Combine.