NFL Combine Spotlight: With Caleb Williams, J.J. McCarthy, and Drake Maye Absent, Can Jayden Daniels or Spencer Rattler Seize the Moment?

With Super Bowl LVIII now history, the NFL draft season has officially begun, heralded by the release of the complete list of attendees for the 2024 scouting combine. Running from February 26 to March 4 in Indianapolis, this event garners widespread attention from football enthusiasts.

Of the 321 invitees, 14 are quarterbacks. However, some prominent names like Caleb Williams of USC, Drake Maye of UNC, and J.J. McCarthy are most likely to forgo the throwing sessions this week. Leaving Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner from LSU with ample chances of making his mark. Other intriguing prospects who may not have received as much attention last season, including Spencer Rattler from South Carolina, and lesser-known talents like Michael Pratt from Tulane, and Austin Reed from Western Kentucky, are all eager to seize the spotlight at the combine. 

Top Draft picks including Jayden Daniels miss this week’s Combine

During this week’s Combine in Indianapolis, three notable players—Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Marvin Harrison Jr.—have chosen not to participate in on-field workouts. Instead, they’ve opted to tailor their skill showcases for scouts at their respective college’s Pro Day. While this means missing the opportunity to witness their talents firsthand, it’s a strategy that’s become increasingly common among top prospects. Caleb Williams, the highly touted quarterback from USC and projected No. 1 pick, is following suit by refraining from throwing at the Combine. Similarly, LSU’s standout quarterback and Heisman Trophy recipient, Jayden Daniels, will also sit out of the drills. Marvin Harrison Jr., the dynamic receiver from Ohio State, has decided to skip the event altogether.

Despite their absence from on-field activities, Caleb Williams remains the favorite for the No. 1 spot in April’s draft. The speculation revolves around whether the Chicago Bears will select a quarterback or stick with their former first-rounder, Justin Fields. While both Williams and Daniels will be present in Indianapolis to meet with teams, they won’t be showcasing their throwing abilities. As for Drake Maye from North Carolina, another prospect of interest, it’s uncertain if he’ll take the field for scouts. Meanwhile, according to Sports Illustrated, Marvin Harrison Jr. is preparing for his Pro Day at Ohio State and has yet to secure representation by hiring an agent.

Can Spencer Rattler steal the show? 

Spencer Rattler’s collegiate journey resembled a tumultuous rollercoaster ride, filled with peaks and valleys that defined his experience. Emerging as the top quarterback recruit in the 2019 class, Rattler stood out among renowned names like Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels, and Sam Howell, earning accolades from On3’s industry rating. Beginning his college career as a true freshman at Oklahoma, Rattler initially served as the third-string quarterback behind future NFL standout Jalen Hurts. However, he quickly rose to prominence, seizing the starting role in his redshirt freshman season and showcasing flashes of brilliance under the guidance of coach Lincoln Riley. 

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In 2020, Rattler’s stellar performance earned him a remarkable 92.6 PFF grade, placing him among the top quarterbacks in the FBS, alongside future NFL stars Mac Jones, Zach Wilson, and Justin Fields. Heading into his redshirt sophomore season, Rattler was poised as a frontrunner for both the Heisman Trophy and the top spot in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, his trajectory took an unexpected turn when he was benched in favor of freshman sensation Caleb Williams midway through the season. Interestingly, both Rattler and Williams now find themselves in the same draft class, with Williams projected as the potential first-overall pick. Moreover, Rattler’s once-impressive deep ball accuracy, which was a strength in 2020, experienced a notable decline in 2021, further adding to the unpredictability of his upcoming journey.