The 2024 NFL Draft saw the New Orleans Saints taking a pragmatic approach, focusing on strengthening key positions often overlooked but essential for building a solid team foundation.
Facing instability on both offense and defense in the previous season, the Saints aimed to address these issues with strategic picks.
Their first-round selection, tackle Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State, and the addition of Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry at the 41st overall pick emphasized the team’s commitment to shoring up their lines.
With subsequent picks, they continued to invest in bolstering their trenches, recognizing the importance of these unglamorous yet vital roles.
However, it was the Saints’ decision to take a chance on quarterback Spencer Rattler that turned heads.
Despite being chosen in the fifth round, Rattler garnered attention from analyst Greg Cosell, who described him as “fascinating” and praised his “higher-level arm talent” and “effortless throwing.”
Spencer Rattler’s journey to the Saints was marked by ups and downs, including a highly touted high school career and a transfer from Oklahoma to South Carolina after losing his starting position to top pick Caleb Williams.
Now, with the Saints, Rattler has the opportunity to develop under the guidance of Derek Carr, with Taysom Hill serving as the primary backup and Nathan Peterman also in the mix.
Given the volatility of his college career, Rattler’s time to mature and refine his skills with the Saints could prove invaluable, providing him with the stability and support needed to realize his potential at the professional level.
While the Saints will start Derek Carr this season, their hope is that Rattler can develop into being a starter at some point down the road. His arm talent is definitely there, but there is a lot of development that he needs to make.
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