The Raiders are being linked to a former Georgia Bulldogs great quarterback.

The Las Vegas Raiders, a franchise that has seen its share of ups and downs in recent years, are always looking to improve their roster, particularly at the quarterback position. After a tumultuous 2023 season, which saw Derek Carr leave the team and Jimmy Garoppolo step in as the new starting quarterback, the Raiders are once again looking to the future to solidify their quarterback position. In this context, they have found themselves increasingly linked to one of the most successful and talented quarterbacks in recent college football history: former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback, Stetson Bennett.

Bennett, who led Georgia to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, has made a name for himself as one of the most resilient and clutch quarterbacks in the sport. His leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to perform on the biggest stage have made him a favorite among college football fans and scouts alike. But now, as he prepares to make the leap to the NFL, Bennett finds himself at the center of a growing narrative linking him to the Raiders.

The Raiders’ Quarterback Search

Since the departure of long-time starter Derek Carr, the Raiders have been in a state of flux at the quarterback position. Jimmy Garoppolo was brought in to fill the void, but his injury history and struggles with consistency have left many wondering if he is the long-term solution for the team. While Garoppolo has had success in his career, including a Super Bowl appearance with the San Francisco 49ers, there have been questions about his ability to stay healthy and consistently elevate his play at a high level.

Given these concerns, the Raiders’ front office, led by general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels, has been exploring potential quarterback options to solidify the position for the future. In the 2024 NFL Draft, several top-tier quarterbacks, including Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and others, are generating significant buzz, but there are also reports that the Raiders are looking at less obvious choices. This is where Stetson Bennett enters the picture.

Bennett’s name has been floated as a potential target for the Raiders, and for good reason. His journey to success in college football has been nothing short of remarkable, and he has the kind of mental toughness and leadership qualities that many NFL teams, including the Raiders, are looking for in their quarterback of the future.

Stetson Bennett’s Rise to Fame

Stetson Bennett’s path to becoming one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in Georgia football history was not easy. Coming out of high school, Bennett was a relatively overlooked recruit. He spent his first season at Georgia as a walk-on before eventually earning a scholarship and a chance to compete for the starting job. His first stint as a starting quarterback was marked by some inconsistency, but it was during the 2021 season that Bennett’s career truly took off.

As the starting quarterback in 2021, Bennett led Georgia to its first national championship in over 40 years, defeating Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship. His performance throughout the season, particularly in the postseason, solidified his reputation as a clutch player. Bennett’s ability to perform in big moments—whether it was leading the Bulldogs to victory in the SEC Championship or engineering a comeback in the national title game—set him apart from many of his peers.

In 2022, Bennett returned to lead Georgia to another national championship, solidifying his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks in Georgia’s storied football history. His play, which was marked by accuracy, decision-making, and leadership, helped the Bulldogs navigate through a difficult season and secure back-to-back titles. Bennett finished his college career with impressive statistics, including over 8,000 passing yards, 60 touchdowns, and a reputation for being one of the most poised quarterbacks in college football.

While Bennett may not have the prototypical size or arm strength that some NFL scouts look for, his football IQ, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in recent memory. He demonstrated time and again during his college career that he could thrive in high-pressure situations, a trait that is highly valued in the NFL.

Why the Raiders Are Interested in Stetson Bennett

The Raiders’ interest in Stetson Bennett is not just a result of his impressive college career; it’s also a reflection of the qualities that Bennett brings to the table as a quarterback. While Bennett may not be the biggest or most physically gifted quarterback in the 2024 draft class, he possesses several attributes that could make him an ideal fit for the Raiders.

Leadership and Maturity

One of Bennett’s defining characteristics throughout his college career has been his leadership. In both of Georgia’s national championship runs, Bennett was the unquestioned leader of the team. His ability to command the huddle, maintain composure in tough situations, and rally his teammates has been one of his strongest assets. In a high-pressure environment like the NFL, where quarterbacks are expected to lead their teams and be the focal point of the offense, Bennett’s leadership ability would be a significant asset.

For the Raiders, who have gone through a period of instability at quarterback, finding a leader who can rally the team and provide stability is a top priority. With a young and talented roster, including star running back Josh Jacobs and dynamic wide receivers like Davante Adams, having a quarterback who can command the offense and make critical decisions is essential. Bennett’s maturity and poise could provide the kind of stability the Raiders need at quarterback.

Decision-Making and Football IQ

Another area where Bennett excels is his decision-making. Throughout his college career, Bennett showed an uncanny ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and avoid turnovers. His football IQ is one of the key reasons why he was able to lead Georgia to two national championships. Bennett is not afraid to make the tough throw when necessary, but he also knows when to take what the defense gives him and protect the ball.

In the NFL, where every possession counts, having a quarterback who can minimize mistakes and make the right decisions is crucial. Bennett’s decision-making, combined with his accuracy as a passer, could make him a valuable asset for the Raiders’ offense. If Bennett were to enter the NFL, he would need to adjust to the speed and complexity of professional defenses, but his ability to make quick, smart decisions would give him a head start in that regard.

Clutch Performance

Bennett’s ability to perform in clutch moments is another reason why the Raiders are reportedly interested in him. Throughout his college career, Bennett demonstrated a calmness under pressure that is rare for a young quarterback. Whether it was leading a game-winning drive in the SEC Championship or orchestrating a fourth-quarter comeback in the national title game, Bennett’s composure in high-pressure situations has earned him a reputation as a clutch performer.

In the NFL, games often come down to the final moments, and a quarterback’s ability to stay calm and execute under pressure is essential. The Raiders, who have experienced their fair share of close games in recent years, would benefit greatly from having a quarterback who has already proven his ability to perform when it matters most. Bennett’s experience in high-stakes games, combined with his leadership and decision-making skills, makes him an intriguing prospect for the Raiders.

Potential for Development

While Bennett may not be ready to step in and start immediately in the NFL, his potential for development is another reason why the Raiders are interested in him. Bennett is still a relatively young quarterback, and with the right coaching, he could continue to refine his skills and elevate his game. His ability to read defenses, process information quickly, and execute the offense could make him a long-term solution for the Raiders, especially if he is allowed to develop behind a more experienced starter.

If Bennett were to join the Raiders, he would have the opportunity to learn from veteran quarterbacks like Jimmy Garoppolo, gaining valuable experience in a professional environment. This mentorship could help Bennett continue to improve his game, particularly in areas like reading NFL defenses and mastering the complexities of a professional offense.

What Bennett Would Bring to the Raiders

If Stetson Bennett were to be drafted by the Raiders or signed as a free agent, he would bring several key strengths to the team. His leadership, decision-making, accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure would be assets to an offense that has struggled with consistency at the quarterback position in recent years. Additionally, Bennett’s ability to develop over time would give the Raiders a long-term option at quarterback, which is something the franchise desperately needs.

For a team that is still searching for its franchise quarterback, Bennett’s combination of college experience and potential for growth makes him an attractive option. Whether he is drafted in the later rounds or brought in as a developmental quarterback, Bennett’s presence could provide the Raiders with both immediate and long-term value.