NFL Exec Ranks Spencer Rattler Over Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 Draft: 'Better Arm'

An anonymous NFC scouting director currently believes that South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler is a better prospect than Washington signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL draft.

"I have Spencer higher than Penix," the executive said, via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. "Spencer's got a better arm, better release, probably has better fundamentals, has played in a couple of pro-style offenses now. I know he's kind of the forgotten name. He has matured tremendously. I thought he nailed his interview at the Senior Bowl."

After an underwhelming three years at Oklahoma, Rattler transferred to South Carolina in Dec. 2021 before putting together an impressive senior season in 2023. He completed 68.9 percent of his passes for 3,186 yards, recording 19 touchdowns compared to just eight interceptions. Rattler was also named MVP of the Senior Bowl.

In the most recent big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, the 23-year-old ranked No. 6 among quarterback prospects while Penix Jr. ranked No. 7.

Although B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen expressed concerns about Rattler's athletic ability and his 6'0" height in his scouting report, he was still impressed with his arm talent.

"Overall, Rattler's arm is too enticing to pass up for too long," Klassen wrote. "There are only a handful of players who throw with his flexibility and arm strength and accuracy. Rattler has the aggressive mindset to be a difference maker, too."

Although Penix Jr. completed a tremendous senior season of his own, culminating in a No. 2 finish in Heisman Trophy voting, Rattler may hear his name called first after the draft begins on April 25.