Why Spencer Rattler could be the answer at quarterback for the New Orleans Saints

After leading Mirror Sports US' draft coverage throughout the past two years, it's probably fair to say that I was extremely optimistic about Rattler 's potential - ranking him higher than both JJ McCarthy and Bo Nix ... both who were drafted in the first round while Rattler fell to the fifth.

While that appeared to be a 'hot take' of sorts, it was something I felt was a fair evaluation after watching his career unfold, going from a five-star recruit and potential first-overall pick while with Oklahoma before his dramatic fall in losing his starting role and being forced to transfer to South Carolina.

And after seeing him play in just one preseason game, New Orleans Saints fans are already beginning to discuss him as their future franchise quarterback despite him currently battling for the backup job with limited opportunities.

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In his unofficial debut, Rattler looked like every bit of the player that fans saw at Oklahoma, scoring a rushing touchdown on his first drive before leading a 12-play, 56-yard drive in the final two minutes of the Saints’ preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals , setting the team up for the game-winning field goal.

Throughout his 17 passing attempts, Rattler's poise in the pocket was undoubtedly impressive. Rookies regularly struggle to go through their reads, while having issues in quickly processing before getting the ball out... but Rattler proved he's already capable of doing so at a high level in his first outing.

I would encourage fans to watch Rattler's throw to wide receiver AT Perry in the third quarter with 9:28 on the clock... the quarterback is given time in the pocket, showing patience while going through his first two reads before throwing a perfect touch pass to the wide receiver, who draws a penalty. Just a few plays later, Rattler quickly goes through his reads once again to find none of his receivers open before taking the ball himself and running it in for a touchdown.

While it's only a few plays while playing against back-ups, it's more than fair to say the quarterback is showing his capabilities of playing in the Saints' offense and getting the ball where it needs to be early. And that's something he can thank his time at South Carolina for...

After Rattler went through a brutal few years with Oklahoma, losing his starting quarterback job to number one overall pick Caleb Williams , he shocked everyone in college football when he chose to go to the South Carolina Gamecocks - a struggling team playing in the most competitive division in the NCAA, the SEC.

And while the team would have a tough few years with Rattler leading them, it had been greatly improved by the quarterback joining the team operating in a pro-style offense similar to what he'd be running in the NFL.

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When asked why he joined South Carolina, he told reporters: "You’re playing the best players every single week. It’s the closest thing to the NFL. This is why I wanted to come here, to compete with the best and prove myself as a player and just, yeah, it’s been great."

While Rattler joining the likes of Oregon or UCLA would have probably given him a better opportunity to show his qualities, his mature decision to go to struggling team playing in an NFL-style offense is now clearly paying dividends.

And although he would have undoubtedly been devastated throughout the NFL Draft, having been seen as a potential third-round pick to falling to the fifth.. it looks like it could have been a blessing in disguise. He looks to have landed in an ideal situation with the Saints and a clear path to winning the starting quarterback job in the future with questions surrounding Derek Carr, who has regressed in recent years.

Saints fans have already taken to social media after seeing Rattler in action, with one writing: "Best qb on the roster and it ain’t even close to be frank," with another adding: “Not even a saints fan but I know that’s a qb1."

Rattler will remain the backup heading into the season, no matter how well he plays, but don't be shocked if the team turns to him quickly should Carr struggle. And if that happens, don't be surprised if Carr never wins that job back.