NFL insider explains how reality show in high school could have hurt Spencer Rattler in NFL Draft

South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler dropped in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rattler was eventually selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 150 overall pick, but that’s after he was being talked about as a potential second or third round pick ahead of the draft.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared during Saturday’s broadcast a surprising reason for Rattler’s dip. According to Rapoport, a reality TV show from high school likely contributed to the slide.

“Spencer Rattler did a reality show in high school. It was called QB1 – Beyond the Lights. It did not make him look great,” Ian Rapoport said. “And it is unbelievable how many different teams mentioned to me, the image of him in that show and how they can’t get it out of their heads. … It’s fascinating to me as teams way whether or not to draft him.”

Yes, that show took place years ago, but it apparently still hurt him in regards to the draft.

Rapoport added that teams are also concerned about the ceiling for Rattler.

“That is the issue, the ceiling for Spencer Rattler. Teams wonder can this guy be a long-time or even a short-time starter or is he going to be a career backup?” Rapoport said.

Shane Beamer calls out ‘lazy’ narrative questioning Spencer Rattler’s attitude

ESPN insider Pete Thamel said during NFL Draft coverage on Friday that questions about Spencer Rattler’s attitude and work ethic led to him falling in the draft. Entering Round 4 and Day 3 of the draft, Spencer Rattler was still on the board.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer took to Twitter on Saturday to defend his former quarterback.

Beamer had this to say about Thamel’s report:

“Such a tired, lazy narrative. And bullcrap. None of the NFL teams that called me said that…. And any team that thinks that clearly hasn’t done their research,” Shane Beamer posted.

“He dealt with adversity at OU in a class way, came to SC, was a great player and was voted by his TEAMMATES as a captain… TWO YEARS IN A ROW. He’s a great person, great player and some team is getting a future starter today.”

Rattler will now get his chance with the Saints, even if he did come off the board later than he was hoping.

Rattler threw for 3,186 and 19 touchdowns in 2023, overcoming poor offensive line play to still put up impressive numbers.

He was ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 19 overall player in the country in the class of 2019, according to the On3 Industry rankings.

Rattler started his career at Oklahoma, before transferring to South Carolina. While he was knocked some as a player and teammate during his time with the Sooners, he excelled on and off the field with the Gamecocks.