Oklahoma Football: Spencer Rattler a contender for 2022 NFL Draft QB1

Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) rolls out during the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators at ATT Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) rolls out during the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators at ATT Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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Oklahoma Football
Oklahoma Football QB Spencer Rattler. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman]

Where Rattler shows room for growth

In Oklahoma’s RPO-heavy offense, Rattler is not asked to do much at all in terms of pre-snap reads and adjustments. As he transitions to the NFL level, he will be tasked with much more on his plate under-center. Most of his reads, as a result, also tend to be half-field reads as well. This is not to say that Rattler does not have the ability to work through his reads, but what he is asked to do (and which he does well) is not overly translatable to an NFL play-caller.

The biggest area of Rattler’s game, however, that needs improvement is his ability to stand in the pocket. When he feels pressure, Rattle has the tendency to begin to get gunshy, bypassing open receivers for running lanes instead.

Additionally, Rattler struggles to show the willingness to step up into the pocket with consistency and instead frequently begins drifting deeper into the pocket. In 2021, it would be ideal to see Rattler begin to step up into clean pockets and step into throws instead of drifting into a baseless stance.

With the information given, how are we supposed to project Rattler to the NFL, and what are some potential landing spots for the Oklahoma Football quarterback should he declare for the 2022 NFL Draft?