Spencer Rattler Scouting Report: NFL Draft Prospect Report

 

Quarterback, Oklahoma Sooners, #7

 

Measurements

6 ‘ 1″ / 200 lbs

40Time: 4.88 seconds

 

Spencer Rattler NFL Draft Player Profile

Spencer Rattler has never shied away from the spotlight. As a matter of fact, you could say he chases it. At least when things are going good that is. Rattler played high school football for the prized Pinnacle high in Phoenix, AZ. As a four year varsity starter, he accumulated over 11,000 yards  (setting the state record) and 116 TDs. He earned a five star ranking from every major ranking platform and was the number 1 Pro-Style Quarterback in the 2019 class.

It wasn’t his play that caught my attention back then though. As a senior, Spencer Rattler made what he termed a “Childish, dumb mistake.” The mistake led him to missing the finale of an otherwise great high school career. While starring in the Netflix documentary series QB1, which my friend Ty insisted I watch to see his true colors, they would disguise the mistake and say he was injured, but that was a lie.

Why hide from the mistake and why not be open about it if it really wasn’t a big deal? That is a question I have always had. In order to be suspended by state rules one could deduce he had been in violation of the rules for either a drug or alcohol related incident. However, all we know is that there is no precise answer. For more on the subject check this article.

 

Obviously Lincoln Riley wasn’t too concerned, as he remained in favor of Spencer joining the Sooners. Many assumed Spencer would walk onto campus and take the reins of the Oklahoma offense, but by not enrolling early the team looked to former Alabama QB Jalen Hurts. One could say another bad decision by Spencer. He would see the field sparingly and redshirt the season.

As a redshirt freshman, he would lead the team to a 9-2 record while throwing for 3,031 yards with 28 TDs and 7 INTs. He would rank 3^rd in in passing grade with a score of 92.5 according to PFF. This rating put him behind only Mac Jones and Zach Wilson. Entering this year Spencer Rattler had many chomping at the bit to call him QB1 yet again, but not us. Rattler wouldn’t even crack my preseason Top 5.

 

Spencer Rattler Strengths

 

History of Success

Spencer Rattler had a slightly cloudy road to stardom in Norman, but it has never failed to include high levels of success. Spencer has produced and won during his entire career to this point. As I said before, he holds the Arizona state record for passing yards. However, with success one doesn’t see much adversity.

Throwing on the Run

Rattler has the ability to make a lot of throws while on the move. When he escapes the pocket, the defense can’t assume that he is going to take off running because he has great mobile accuracy. Although I don’t see elite Pat Mahomes arm strength, I see him make some magic happen when throwing on the run. Here is a clip of him practicing some cross field throws on the move.

 

Ability to Extend Play

Rattler was the #1 Pro-Style QB in the 2019 class, but don’t let that fool you. He can still move in the pocket and even outside of it, though I’m not too afraid of him breaking off a Lamar Jackson type of run. However, he is great at avoiding pressure and extending the play. This is where some of his biggest plays come from. This is a talent that can’t be taught and should be coveted by NFL teams.

 

Spencer Rattler Weaknesses

 

Deep Ball

Some scouts say he has elite arm strength, while others say not quite.  If you look back at his scouting reports in high school, and even after last year, you’ll see people rave about his deep ball. I see a lot of questionable power on some routine throws though. As for deep balls, if he can throw them, he isn’t throwing them often. I saw one deep completion to Marvin Mims this season against Tulane. Other than that, he has left a lot to be desired. Where did his magic go?

 

Leadership

After watching him on QB1, I just couldn’t help but question his leadership and ability to be a good teammate. While watching the show he rarely accepted responsibility for mistakes and it was even more rare to see him lift up a struggling teammate. In one episode his backup QB, who ended up committing to Michigan and having to medically retire already, is seen getting upset with Spencer never lifting his team mates up.

 

Seems Easily Shaken

I don’t think anyone let Spencer know that college would be tougher than high school. Spencer looks visibly shaken after a bad call or a dropped pass. He looks nervous on the field when things aren’t going the Sooners’ way. If you watched the Oklahoma game against West Virginia earlier this year, you would have seen him shaken when the crowd was calling for freshman Caleb Williams. Williams is now the Sooner’s starting QB and Rattler is watching his backup shine just as he watched J.D. Johnson shine in his absence at Pinnacle.

 

Final Thoughts on Spencer Rattler

If it isn’t obvious yet, I’m not a big fan of Rattler, and I never will be. He isn’t the type of player I’d want in my locker room, at least not yet. I do believe people can mature, I’m just not sure how much. Spencer has great talent and ability, but it’s more his character that I question. If I were Spencer Rattler I wouldn’t declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. I would advise him to enter the transfer portal and join a team in a lesser conference to get his mojo back. All while racking up TDs and yards.

With another year under his belt, and seeing that the sun isn’t always shining, maybe he can change my outlook on him. Once again he has the physical gifts needed to succeed, I just question the intangibles.

 

Spencer Rattler Draft Stock

Spencer Rattler has to have fallen from the top of scouts boards at this point. He does still rank in my top ten, but he isn’t a top 5 QB for me. I wouldn’t draft him as a GM, but this could be my personal bias. Others may disagree and I could see someone taking him way too early for my liking. I would say if he does enter the draft he would be taken somewhere after Corral, Howell, and Ridder. Anywhere from QB 4 to QB 9 ( 8 is where I have him) depending on which teams look his way.

Spencer Rattler NFL Comparison: Worst case, a more Athletic Ryan Leaf who flames out because of his personality. Best Case scenario, Derek Carr, who also struggles with adversity in game. Just ask Joey Bosa.

Spencer Rattler Scouting Report by Ken Noble