Rookie Profile: Spencer Rattler, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Spencer Rattler was a 5-star prospect coming out of Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, AZ. Throughout his high school career, he threw for over 11,000 yards. This created hype for him as one of the top prospects. He originally committed to Oklahoma in June of 2017.
He only saw action in 3 games his freshman year. This allowed him to redshirt his freshman season. However, he broke out in his second year. In 2020, he threw for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns through 11 games!
The third season at Oklahoma was not as fruitful for him. He struggled at the beginning of the season. Through the first 6 weeks, he threw 5 interceptions. This led to a coach’s decision to bench him in week 6 against Texas. The upside was that he saw a 7% increase in completion percentage.
In need of a fresh start, he would transfer to South Carolina in 2022. As the starting quarterback, he got back to throwing for over 3,000 yards through 13 games. However, this did include his 246 yards against Notre Dame in the Taxslayer Gator Bowl. His turnovers were still an issue. In 2022, he threw a career-high 12 interceptions.
Year two with South Carolina allowed him to find a better rhythm. He saw an increase in completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdowns. This was all with receiving a career-high in sacks. Forty times the defense would get to Rattler in 2023. His second year at Oklahoma would remain his best throughout his college career.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 5 Pick 15 (150)
- Most would not get excited about a round 5 quarterback. However, most, including myself, probably were not excited about Brock Purdy or Tom Brady when they first got drafted either. I am not comparing Rattler to either, but the landing spot was great.
- Last season the Saints invested $150 million into Derek Carr. In the 5th-round they saw a former projected number one overall prospect staring them in the eye and they drafted him.
Landing Spot- New Orleans Saints
- Carr did what Carr always does last season. He did not disappoint and he did not truly impress. He was a mid-tier quarterback finishing at QB16 overall.
- Maybe this was a move because no other backup impressed any of the Saints coaches. But Rattler has battled through adversity in his collegiate career. Now he should sit as the QB2 of the Saints prowling behind Carr. If Carr, for whatever reason, does not impress there is some hope that Rattler may get the starting role. Spencer Rattler could potentially flourish if that were to happen not giving that starting job back to Carr.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Backup Quarterback
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Spencer Rattler holds little fantasy impact considering he will enter the season as the backup quarterback. On the other hand, his fantasy value should be of interest. He has the mechanics to potentially be a starter one day. Because of that, I am drafting him in the later rounds of my rookie drafts. But until he does start he is nothing more than a taxi player.
Trade value-wise if in need of a low-end WR3 then you could trade him for a Darnell Mooney, Jalin Hyatt, or Elijah Moore. All 3 of those wide receivers have the opportunity to have some sort of fantasy impact this season.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Spencer Rattler.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
