Mel Kiper Jr. points out underrated quarterback prospect that could eventually replace Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott will likely be watching the 2024 NFL Draft as closely as any Cowboys fan. What Jerry Jones elects to do on Thursday and Friday will strongly indicate how he views Dak Prescott's future. It could set up the quarterback's future for the next half-decade with another team or prove that he can remain in his current home.
Speaking on Monday's edition of "Get Up," Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. connected Spencer Rattler with the Dallas Cowboys as a potential option.
Mel Kiper: "[00:00:56] They got a ton of needs. But the offensive line is where it begins and ends. They got to address it in the first round, in the second round, [and] possibly in the third round. Spencer Rattler, quarterback, South Carolina, maybe if you want to do that. But you better look at the offensive line early and often. [00:01:10]"[14.0] Get Up
Dak Prescott could cost the Cowboys up to $60 million per year on his next contract if pundits are to be taken at face value. While a Day 1 version of Spencer Rattler would be a shadow of Dak Prescott in most respects, he would also cost a small fraction. That is the value proposition that Dak Prescott has working against him this week.
Of course, Rattler has been far from the main topic of discussion of the 2024 NFL Draft. That said, his practices at the 2024 Senior Bowl showed off his arm and his ability to deliver the ball with a quick twitch. Undisputably the smallest quarterback prospect at the Senior Bowl, Rattler showed that he could make defensive linemen lose sight of him behind massive offensive linemen.
The linemen he stood behind will likely be somewhat smaller than the size of fully developed NFL offensive linemen. Meaning, he could appear even smaller behind blockers and, like modern-day running backs, slip away like a ninja.
What are the worries about potential Dak Prescott replacement Spencer Rattler?
While he hasn't gotten much hype, there have been reasons to believe in the quarterback. In his final year of college, he turned in arguably the second-best season of his career. In his final year, he threw for 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Before that, Rattler's best year came in his first year, throwing for 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Such a large gap between impressive statistical years could be alarming to some.
One more potential factor to think about is that the quarterback transferred between schools roughly midway through his college career. From 2019 to 2021, Rattler played for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Then, from 2021 to 2022, he played for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Changing schools is more common now than it was in the past, but it still makes some wonder if he'll handle adversity well in the NFL, as it hits most players eventually.
If Rattler is picked in line with Mel Kiper's prediction, Spencer Rattler will be selected on Friday, April 26th.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up" and H/T Sportskeeda.