The NFL Draft has come and gone, and four former South Carolina football stars were taken. Wide receiver Xavier Legette (1st round, Carolina Panthers), quarterback Spencer Rattler (5th round, New Orleans Saints), defensive back Marcellas Dial (6th round, New England Patriots), and offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo (7th round, Denver Broncos) were selected as Shane Beamer broke the head coaching record for most Gamecocks drafted during a 3-year stretch (12).
Gamecock fans can't wait to watch their favorite team's alums in the NFL, but some of the new draftees have been put in better situations than others.
Saturdays Down South's Connor O'Gara wrote about which SEC players he thought wound up in the best situations, and former Gamecock quarterback Spencer Rattler made his list.
Rattler's selection by the New Orleans Saints (in the 5th round!!!) could end up being the steal of the draft. After waiting a record length of time from the previous quarterback pick (Bo Nix, 1st round, pick 12, Denver Broncos), Rattler landed in a situation that combines both veteran leadership and opportunity for playing time as veteran Derek Carr is the starter but isn't the long-term plans in the Big Easy.
O'Gara's article joined South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer in defending Rattler from the lazy and baseless accusations hurled his way by ESPN's Pete Thamel and others during the NFL Draft broadcast. However, O'Gara also loves New Orleans for Rattler's landing spot.
Derek Carr has only been in New Orleans for one season, and though his numbers weren't bad, Carr wasn't 100% healthy and had some of his worst moments at some of the biggest moments. The Saints missed the playoffs, and with Carr's contract only having $10 Million more guaranteed after 2024 ends, he could be a candidate to be cut if the team feels Rattler is ready to play in year 2.
Fans of the Gamecocks and Saints should expect the former Carolina great to spend most (if not all) of the 2024 season behind Carr, but if any games get out of hand, the rookie QB should get an opportunity to show the NFL world what he can do.
If things go well for Rattler as he learns the professional game, and he performs in his limited opportunities, he will have a real chance at becoming an NFL starting quarterback before long.