The Saints spent pick 150 in the 5th round on a quarterback some deemed to have first-round value. Most websites including PFF, gave the Saints high praise for the selection and graded the draft an “A+”. The Saints were only one of four teams to receive a grade of A+ for their draft. Getting an A+ when the team didn’t have any picks in the 3rd and 4th round is astounding. The Saints however, were brilliant with the picks they did have filling both current and future needs. However, the pick of Spencer Rattled had the world fired up and Saints fans alike. Several commentators like RGIII posted that the Saints got the “steal of the draft” and Than Wilson of CBS said that from henceforth pick 150 in the 5th round will be know as Rattlerville.
The selection of Rattler marks the second time in two years that the Saints selected the Quarterback who won Player of the Game at the Senior Bowl. Last year it was Jake Hanear and this year it’s Rattler. At the Senior Bowl, Rattler was clearly the best on the field, even better than Bo Nix who went 14th overall. So there is CLEAR value in the selection but, if Saints fans that a full gulp of this Rattler Kool-Aid (pardon the pun the Saints nab him – Kool-Aid McKinstry – in the second round), it will serve as a poison to their hopes.
I loved the Saints’ pick of Spencer Rattler, but I hope Saints fans aren’t placing all their faith in his development, or pinning their hopes on him becoming “the guy” in the near future.
I believe the whole city dislikes Derek Carr. In fact, the city made that abundantly clear last season by cheering every time Taysom entered the game and booing every time Carr took the field.
If Carr starts off poorly, the entire city will be clamoring to see Rattler. However, based on the film and even his performance at the combine, he’s not ready. If he shows up and performs poorly, Saints fans will likely discard him too.
Saints fans need to set realistic expectations for how this will unfold. Carr is the quarterback for the foreseeable future. He’s not going anywhere unless he gets injured, and if that happens, the season could be in jeopardy.
Carr often struggles in his first year with a new system. There might be some rough games at the start of the season. Saints fans should exercise patience, understanding that, for better or worse, through the good and the bad, and through sickness and in health, Saints fans are financially committed to Carr until the end of his contract.