NFC West, AFC West teams could make a run for mid-round QB talent in 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is loaded with intriguing quarterback prospects within a rich overall class, and one of the biggest sleepers to watch could be former Gamecocks and Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Originally pinned as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and No, 1 overall pick, Rattler went through a great deal of adversity in his career as he faltered under Lincoln Riley and was ultimately surpassed by Caleb Williams at Oklahoma.

He completely turned things around at South Carolina under Shane Beamer, though, as one of the bright spots within an overall lackluster offense that shadowed over just how well he bounced back as an individual player.

Rattler finished out the 2023 season with a career-high completion rate of 68.9%, 3,186 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, later named the Senior Bowl MVP at the offseason showcase.

With the draft now just a day away, here's a look into three teams who could select Rattler:

1. Seattle Seahawks (No. 78)

The Seahawks have had success with Geno Smith at quarterback, but that does not mean they won't be taking on in the draft. Backup signal-caller Drew Lock is a free agent, and there's no guaranteeing he will be a Seahawk in 2024. 

It should be expected in the instance that Rattler landed in Seattle that he'd start off as Smith's primary backup, but there's a very real chance for him to become the starter sooner rather than later after holding the clipboard for a while.

He'd also be surrounded by a talented supporting cast that includes D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

2. Denver Broncos (No. 76)

The Broncos are in an interesting situation at quarterback with less than an impressive room at the position that includes a newly acquired Zach Wilson, Ben DiNucci and Jarrett Stidham.

Rattler could come in and compete with any of the three and could make an impact sooner rather than later, with a good probability of landing the starting gig for 2025. 

It's also possible the team could make a push to resolve its quarterback issue at a pick even earlier than this, as the team has been heavily pinned as the favorite to take former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix off the board.

3. Las Vegas Raiders (No.  77)

The Raiders are in the market for a quarterback after struggling with passers between Aidian O'Connell, Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer. Here, Rattler could easily slide in as the Week 1 starter with the ability to make an instant impact and help the Raiders turn things around on offense as a rookie.

The team has some positive pieces on offense for the Oklahoma and South Carolina product to throw to, including three-time First Team All-Pro wideout Davante Adams.

There's also a sense of familiarity for Rattler with head coach Antonio Pierce, who offered Rattler out of high school when Pierce was the Arizona State recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach.