Spencer Rattler hype grows as South Carolina football alum impresses in NFL preseason

South Carolina football fans tried to tell the NFL world that quarterback Spencer Rattler was the steal of the 2024 NFL Draft. So far during the NFL Preseason, he has lived up to that billing.

Despite not being selected this spring until the 5th round, Rattler has rewarded the New Orleans Saints for picking him. The former Gamecock has been very impressive all offseason, showing off his extreme arm talent both in practice and in NFL preseason games.

Earlier during the summer, Saints fans began falling in love with Rattler's game as he made throw after throw at practice that left those in attendance with their mouths gaping.

The strong play has translated to "game action" this preseason. In his first appearance, Rattler led a come-from-behind game-winning field goal drive and demonstrated his better-than-advertised mobility with a touchdown scramble earlier in the game.

Two weeks later when his Saints matched up with the Tennessee Titans, Rattler impressed again. He was poised and made sharp throws, including this beauty to Equanimeous St. Brown.

Rattler's performances have drawn rave reviews, and those around the NFL (both from the Saints and from other teams) have been in awe of his talent, his arm accuracy, and how quickly he has picked up his new NFL offense.

Renowned quarterback coach Quincy Avery, who has seen Rattler's work firsthand, argued that the former Gamecock would be receiving even more hype if he had been drafted higher.

His teammate, running back Jacob Kibodi, called Rattler "spectacular" and said that he uplifts everyone around him.

Currently, Rattler sits behind veteran Derek Carr on the Saints' quarterback depth chart, but his strong preseason should mean he has locked up the QB2 spot. Carr, though, is not a beloved figure in New Orleans thanks to some inconsistent play last year, so there is some buzz that Rattler could fight for some starting reps before the 2024 season is over.