Potential Rams Heir Spencer Rattler Reveals Stafford Comparison at NFL Combine
We’d all probably be a little better off if we tried to be like Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Stafford has been the quintessential franchise quarterback since the Rams acquired him, winning a Super Bowl, leading a young team, and taking on all the off-field responsibilities that come with being the face of an organization. However, in his mid-30s, both Stafford and Los Angeles know their star under center won’t be around forever.
General manager Les Snead may turn his attention to this year’s NFL Draft as the search continues for the next Stafford.
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) passes against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler may be the man for the job.
Given that the Rams possess the 19th pick and are still in a competitive window, it likely doesn’t make sense to go fishing for a franchise arm. However, the draft’s second day allows Los Angeles to strike a balance between winning today and tomorrow.
Rattler’s stock is on the rise after a strong senior season and pre-draft circuit, complete with Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine festivities. At the latter, Rattler spoke about emulating the Rams’ current quarterback.
“He has a great arm, throws from all different angles, can anticipate really well,” Rattler said. “So that’s what I take from him.”
Rattler and Stafford share strengths as passers. Both have elastic arms with the willingness to take trick shots when the moment calls. Their play is defined by the electric arm talent that made Stafford the first-overall pick and Rattler the top-rated quarterback in his recruiting class.
Furthermore, Los Angeles makes sense as a landing spot due to the environment it can provide. Sitting behind Stafford in his final years while getting office hours with head coach Sean McVay could be the closest thing to an incubator the NFL offers. He’s talented enough to be the No. 2 quarterback right away but wouldn’t deal with the pressure and controversy that comes from backing up a middling starter.
The Rams haven’t been known for their sustainable ways, but an exceptional rookie class has Snead looking toward the future – one Rattler could very well become a part of in two months.
