Getty Images/Ringer illustration
In the 2024 offseason, NFL teams selected six quarterbacks in the first 12 picks of the draft, by far the most ever. As rookies, these passers had their ups and downs. One carried his team to the NFC championship game. One nearly set the record for sacks taken in a season. One never got a chance to play due to an injury.
Where do these players stand going into year two? Is this group still set to change the league—or were NFL teams overzealous when they drafted these guys back in April of last year? Welcome to Sophomore QB Week at The Ringer. This week, we’re breaking down the play and futures of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix. Today, we’re looking at a seventh 2024 draft pick, fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler, who goes into 2025 as the Saints’ starter.
Rattler’s Unexpected Triumph: What Does it Mean?
The news that Spencer Rattler, the New Orleans Saints’ fifth-round pick, had won the starting quarterback job over Tyler Shough, their high second-round selection, sent ripples through the NFL landscape. After a rookie season riddled with struggles, many questioned if Rattler could step up. This unexpected turn of events raises critical questions about the Saints’ quarterback strategy and the future of their offense.
Head Coach Kellen Moore, expressed confidence in Rattler, citing his growth and playmaking ability. This positive assessment contrasts sharply with Rattler’s underwhelming rookie performance. According to advanced metrics, he was among the league’s least effective quarterbacks.
The Saints’ QB Conundrum: A Deeper Dive
The Saints’ decision to draft Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2024 draft signaled a clear intent to secure their quarterback of the future. Shough, a seasoned college player with multiple degrees, was seen as “pro-ready”. This made his loss to Rattler, a quarterback who struggled mightily during his rookie year, all the more surprising.
Rattler’s rookie year saw him complete only 57% of his passes, with a low touchdown-to-interception ratio. Statistically, he ranked near the bottom in key metrics such as EPA per play, success rate, and completion percentage over expectation. His inability to make impactful plays, combined with poor pocket management, paints a troubling picture.
Pro Football Focus’s grades placed Rattler as the worst quarterback out of 42 qualifiers. The numbers don’t lie.
Can Rattler Rebound? The Path Ahead
Despite the bleak rookie season, there’s a glimmer of hope for a Rattler renaissance. He possesses significant arm talent, once considered a potential first-round pick. The Saints’ offense, with a new coaching staff led by Kellen Moore and Doug Nussmeier, is also undergoing a transformation.
“Did you know?”
*Did you know* that Rattler’s time with the Saints might be limited, based on the team’s draft position and the potential for drafting a new QB in the coming season?
The Saints’ overall outlook remains uncertain. With bookmakers placing their win total at a low 4.5, it’s likely they’ll have a high draft pick in the upcoming season. This opens the door for the Saints to target a top quarterback prospect, potentially putting both Rattler and Shough’s future in New Orleans in jeopardy.
What to Expect in 2025?
The odds are stacked against Rattler. Historically, quarterbacks drafted in the fifth round or later have had limited success in the NFL. If Rattler can establish himself as a reliable journeyman, it would be considered a significant achievement.
The Saints, however, are expecting more. They are looking for their starting quarterback to lead the team to the playoffs. If the Saints are as bad as expected, they could find themselves with one of the top picks.
With talent like Arch Manning potentially available in the next draft, New Orleans’s future at quarterback is far from certain, which makes the current quarterback situation all the more critical.
“Pro tip”:
*Pro tip*: Keep an eye on the Saints’ performance early in the 2025 season. Their performance with Rattler under center will likely shape their draft strategy and quarterback plans for the future.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is Spencer Rattler a good quarterback?
Based on his rookie season, no. However, he has shown flashes of high-end arm talent.
What are the Saints’ chances of making the playoffs?
The odds suggest they are not favored to make the playoffs.
What does the future hold for Tyler Shough?
It’s unclear. He will get a chance to develop on the scout team, but is not the number one quarterback for the Saints at the moment.
Riley
McAtee
McAtee is a senior editor at The Ringer who focuses on America’s two biggest sports: the NFL and
‘Survivor.’
What are your thoughts on Spencer Rattler’s chances? Share your opinions in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our other articles on NFL rookies and the upcoming season.
Keep reading