After a run on quarterbacks to start the 2024 NFL Draft, it looks like there will be a gap between QB6 and QB7. Bo Nix went to the Denver Broncos at No. 12 overall, leaving Spencer Rattler as the likely next quarterback to go off the board.
As the second round prepares to begin, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport rattled off some potential destinations for Rattler – although he could wind up waiting a little longer to hear his name called.
Rapoport said the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders both took close looks at quarterbacks during the pre-draft process, and they could be in play for Rattler after passing on quarterbacks in the first round. There could be other suitors, but New York and Las Vegas could stand out.
“Historically, there’s not a ton of quarterbacks who go in the second round,” Rapoport said. “Usually, it’s like your first-rounder or like your third- or maybe even fourth-rounder. Two of the teams that did extensive quarterback work, the Giants and the Raiders, still have not picked [quarterbacks]. I would say both of those are possibilities. Texans, Seattle, Jets also did quarterback homework, all met with Spencer Rattler.”
However, there’s a catch. Rattler could drop beyond the second or third round because that’s not a usual spot for teams to take quarterbacks, Rapoport said. Considering the list of teams needing one is shrinking, the former Oklahoma and South Carolina standout might wind up moving down the board.
“But here’s the problem. There’s not that many quarterback-needy teams,” Rapoport said. “So teams might say, ‘You know what? Let’s just wait.’ So if Spencer Rattler doesn’t go in the second round, it’s not because he’s not a second-round talent. It’s just teams don’t feel the urgency to go get him.”
Rattler started his career at Oklahoma, where he 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, and then added 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2023.
Entering Friday’s second and third rounds, Rattler is ESPN’s No. 66 best available prospect and top quarterback still on the board. His future is just one of the storylines that could make things interesting as 64 more players will find out where their football journeys will take them.
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