Jaguars may not be done making additions to QB room even after Mac Jones trade

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set at quarterback, but that hasn't stopped them from doing research in this year's draft class. Just recently, they hosted South Carolina's Spencer Rattler for a top-30 visit.

Rattler was spotted at the Jags facilities less than two weeks before the draft, according to Tanner Phifer of XPAND. This came as a bit of a surprise because quarterback is the one position Jacksonville shouldn't have to worry about in the draft. On the other hand, the front office could be just doing their homework.

Rattler is currently projected to go in Round 3, maybe in the third round but nobody would bat an eye if he slides to the fourth. A five-star recruit out of high school, the Phoenix native committed to Oklahoma. After an underwhelming two-year tenure, he transferred to South Carolina, where he flourished under Shane Beamer despite the fact that he had a less-than-ideal supporting cast.

During his two seasons with the Gamecocks, Rattler completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 6,212 yards with 37 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. On top of that, he was named team captain. He has the arm strength, accuracy, and touch to make all NFL throws. However, draft guru Dane Brugler of The Athletic believes the 2020 First-Team All-Big 10 must work on his decision-making and timing to succeed in the pros.

Overall, Brugler adds that Rattler has upside but thinks he's a work in progress. Having said that, it would be odd to see the Jaguars target him or any other quarterback in Round 3 or 4 of the draft. After all, they just acquired Mac Jones from the New England Patriots just before free agency started.

Jones, a first-round pick in 2021, made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but regressed the past two seasons. In Jacksonville, he'll have the chance to get his career back on track. He will probably compete with C.J. Beathard for the top backup job but should have no trouble coming out on top, as he's the more talented of the two.

Spencer Rattler would be an ideal developmental QB for the Jaguars

It's not a given the Jaguars will target Spencer Rattler. Heck, they may not even draft a quarterback, but that shouldn't stop them from entertaining all possible scenarios. What if he's available in the fourth round? They have two picks (114, 116) in that round, and it's always a good idea to replenish your quarterback room.

You could argue that the Jaguars are already stacked at quarterback but they could easily make room for Rattler or any other prospect. Trevor Lawrence is entrenched as the starter and Mac Jones should be the favorite to be the primary backup in 2024. The team's brass could trade or release C.J. Beathard and keep Rattler during the regular season.

This scenario makes sense when you take into account that both Beathard and Jones are set to become free agents next year. Maybe the Jags could keep the former around but the latter will probably want to join a team that will give him the chance to compete for a starting job. Rattler would provide insurance in case both leave.

In Jacksonville, Rattler would get the chance to hone his skills behind Lawrence, Jones, and/or Beathard, and compete for the backup job next year. All things considered, that seems like a reasonable course of action based on his upside.

The truth is that the Jacksonville Jaguars don't need to draft a quarterback but they shouldn't pass up the chance to select Spencer Rattler if the opportunity arises.

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