Is Spencer Rattler being overlooked?
There’s a lot of attention being paid to the top-end quarterbacks as the Vikings search for their signal caller of the future. With the Vikings holding two first-round picks it’s not surprising that draft experts have consistently linked Minnesota with a trade up.
But what if the answer is holding off until Day 2 of the draft?
The South Carolina quarterback is currently QB7 according to Mock Draft Database’s Consensus Big Board.
Rattler was the No. 1 quarterback coming out of high school in 2019. He spent three seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to South Carolina for the final two years of his college career. Over his five years in college, Rattler threw for 10,807 yards, 77 touchdowns and 32 interceptions.
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein writes in his scouting report of Rattler that he “will still flash glimpses of what he showed in his 2020 season as a Sooner but fails to consistently sustain the type of play that NFL teams look for.”
“He lacks desired height for a pocket passer and doesn’t have enough arm strength to beat greedy NFL cover men. He was better than some of his 2023 numbers might indicate, as poor pass-blocking and drop-prone receivers often put him in bad spots,” continued Zielein.
“He can scramble and extend plays, but he’s not a dynamic runner and needs optimal protection and separation in order to work in rhythm. He needs an offense that can shrink the field so he can operate quickly and find his rhythm. He has the know-how but might not have the tape or traits to inspire confidence in projecting anything more than a QB2/3.”
Meanwhile The Athletic’s Dane Brugler says Rattler is among “the best in this class” when it comes to “pure arm talent and downfield touch.”
“He struggled with decision-making and timing, especially under pressure, but the Gamecocks had a different offensive line combination in 10 of 12 games last season and didn’t do their QB many favors,” continued Brugler. “Rattler has the ability and self-confidence to work his way up the depth chart in an NFL camp.”
With so many holes to fill across the board there is an argument for the Vikings using their first-round picks on defensive talent and taking a developmental QB on Day Two of the draft.
On a recent appearance of Up & Adams former Eagles star receiver DeSean Jackson said Rattler would “be a good fit” in Minnesota.
.@DeSeanJackson10 says QB @SpencerRattler would be a great fit in Minnesota 👀 🔊@heykayadams #Vikings pic.twitter.com/bipjl0AZ4I
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 4, 2024
“That’s a great situation,” said Rattler. “It would be a blessing to play there, for sure. got a lot of weapons.”
The Vikings currently have former No. 3 pick Sam Darnold signed to a one-year deal with Nick Mullens still on the roster. Outside of the Jalen Hurts’ of the world, drafting a second day QB doesn’t typically work out.
After losing Kirk Cousins via free agency last month, it would be hard to blame Vikings fans for being upset if the team were to only come away with a day two QB to pair with the plethora of offensive weapons already on the roster.
