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Countdown to Kickoff: Spencer Rattler is the Saints Player of Day 18

METAIRIE, LOUISIANA - MAY 28: Spencer Rattler #18 of the New Orleans Saints attends the OTA Offseason Workout at the New Orleans Saints Practice facility on May 28, 2024 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
METAIRIE, LOUISIANA - MAY 28: Spencer Rattler #18 of the New Orleans Saints attends the OTA Offseason Workout at the New Orleans Saints Practice facility on May 28, 2024 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Just 18 days stand between now and the kickoff the 2024 NFL season for the New Orleans Saints.

And perhaps one of the most-watched players in the coming months who its not taking the field as a starter in the coming months is none other than former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Here's a look into everything to know about the player who dons No. 18 for the Saints:

  • Name (Age): Spencer Rattler (23)

  • Position: Quarterback

  • Height, weight: 6-foot, 211 pounds

  • Relative Athletic Score: 4.00

  • 2024 salary cap hit: $879,120

  • College: Oklahoma, South Carolina

  • Drafted: Round 5, No. 150 overall (New Orleans Saints, 2024)

  • NFL experience: Rookie

Spencer Rattler is one of the most intriguing stories over recent college football history, going from a player who was once projected to be a No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick to a quarterback who was benched during the season in favor of backup Caleb Williams at Oklahoma.

Williams ultimately went on to fulfill a prophecy that it seemed was originally set for Rattler, winning the Heisman Trophy (an honor Rattler was once considered the early frontrunner for) and going first overall to the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Rattler wouldn't quite reach the same heights, but did get his feet back under him when he joined Shane Beamer in Columbia with the South Carolina Gamecocks, going on to become the Senior Bowl MVP during offseason showcases.

The signal-caller got better in his own right in a way that wasn't always noticed because of the subpar offensive line and supporting cast he was surrounded by. South Carolina as a whole looked lackluster when it finished out the 2023 season with a 5-7 overall record, but Rattler didn't, ending out the year with a 68.9% completion rate, 3,186 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

Up next, Rattler will continue battling another former Senior Bowl MVP in ex-Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener for the backup position. Haener has somewhat of an edge intellectually, given that he's spent one year in the Saints offense, though some may argue it is Rattler who has the higher ceiling and upside.

Heading into that opportunity, Rattler has full confidence in himself.

"I can make any throw on the field. I’m a quick learner, fast processor and can get in and out of the huddle and move the team," Rattler told me in January. He continued, "I’m just confident in my ability. I, humbly, believe I can stack up against anybody. I truly believe that."

More 2024 season!

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WATCH: Rookie kicker Charlie Smyth boots 65-yard field goal at Saints practice

Saints PFF grades: Best, worst players from preseason loss to 49ers

Saints should continue to use Taysom Hill in the backfield

Saints bring in a crowd of free agents for tryouts

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Spencer Rattler is the Saints Player of Day 18