Why Spencer Rattler will stand out to scouts at NFL combine

The three quarterbacks projected to go atop the 2024 NFL Draft won’t throw at this week’s Scouting Combine, which could open the door for others to make a strong impression. That includes Spencer Rattler, who presents an interesting case for scouts.

Rattler – the Senior Bowl MVP – had an up-and-down college career, starting at Oklahoma and ending at South Carolina. As he gets ready for the NFL, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him as the No. 7 quarterback on the board earlier this month as he hopes to hear his name called in April’s draft.

In fact, On3’s Phillip Dukes thinks Rattler has the qualities to surprise some people in Indianapolis this week.

“Imagine, what if Caleb Williams doesn’t go to Oklahoma and Spencer Rattler has a longer leash when it comes to being able to work through some of the tough times he had Oklahoma? We’re talking about a potential Heisman candidate with the type of production he had at that time,” Dukes told Andy Staples on Andy Staples On3. “And one of the most cliche terms in these type of environments is ‘traits.’ But he has them. It don’t even matter.

“You can say it a million times and every time you talk about traits, he’s a guy when you talk about quarterbacks. Pretty ball, delivering the ball on time, the release point, the throw angles. All of those catchphrases, they all apply to him. He’s definitely a guy that I think can really do a lot to help his draft stock by having a great performance at the combine.”

Rattler arrived on the college football scene as a highly touted recruit. He checked in as a five-star prospect and the No. 15 overall player from the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

In three years at Oklahoma, Rattler threw for 6,212 yards and 37 touchdowns – including a 3,000-yard, 28-touchdown season in 2020. He then transferred to South Carolina ahead of the 2022 season and had a solid year, throwing for 3,026 yards and 18 touchdowns upon his arrival. His 2023 numbers were even better with 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns in new coordinator Dowell Loggains’ system.

Now, Rattler will try to take his skills to the next level. The hype started after the Senior Bowl, and he’ll try to keep the momentum going when quarterback drills get going Saturday in Indianapolis with plenty of NFL personnel on hand for the event.