Stetson Bennett competing for NFL job with Rams
Stetson Bennett, the former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback who played an instrumental role in leading Georgia to back-to-back national championships, is now looking to prove himself at the next level. After a legendary college career, Bennett is vying for a spot in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams. It’s a story of perseverance, opportunity, and the desire to prove that his success on the college stage was no fluke.
The path to the NFL is never easy, and for Bennett, it’s been anything but conventional. Despite leading Georgia to the pinnacle of college football, Bennett faced skepticism and doubt from many in the NFL world. At 5-foot-11 and not possessing the physical traits of a prototypical NFL quarterback, he was often overlooked by scouts who preferred taller, stronger-armed quarterbacks with elite athleticism. Yet, through sheer determination and exceptional play, Bennett proved that he belonged, earning his place in the draft and eventually landing with the Rams.
Bennett’s rise to prominence began in 2021 when he was thrust into the starting role for Georgia after an injury to former starter JT Daniels. Many questioned whether Bennett could lead the Bulldogs to a national championship, considering his size and the fact that he had largely been a backup before that season. However, Bennett answered those questions in emphatic fashion, leading Georgia to an undefeated season and their first national championship in over four decades. His performance in the College Football Playoff, especially in the championship game against Alabama, showcased his poise, leadership, and playmaking ability.
In 2022, Bennett’s legacy only grew stronger as he led Georgia to back-to-back championships. He was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player in both of the Bulldogs’ national championship victories, further cementing his place in Georgia football history. What made Bennett’s story so compelling was not just his ability to win on the field but his mental toughness and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. He wasn’t always the flashiest or most talked-about quarterback in college football, but Bennett was incredibly consistent, demonstrating a unique ability to manage games, make timely throws, and lead his team under pressure.
Despite these accomplishments, the NFL Draft process wasn’t as kind to Bennett as it was to some of his peers. The NFL’s emphasis on size and physical attributes led many to overlook Bennett, with some draft analysts even questioning whether he had the arm strength or athleticism to succeed at the professional level. Still, Bennett’s work ethic and football IQ shined through, and the Rams took a chance on him, selecting him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. This selection was met with mixed reactions, but for Bennett, it represented the culmination of years of hard work and determination.
Bennett’s transition to the NFL has been a fascinating journey. With the Rams, he finds himself in a competitive quarterback room that includes veteran starter Matthew Stafford and second-year player Bryce Perkins. Stafford, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of the past decade, represents a wealth of knowledge and experience that Bennett can learn from. But for Bennett, this is no time to sit back and watch. With a competitive fire that has defined his career, Bennett has come into training camp determined to earn a spot as Stafford’s backup and potentially compete for a starting role down the road.
One of the first challenges Bennett faced in his transition to the NFL was adapting to the speed and complexity of the professional game. While Bennett’s time at Georgia prepared him for high-stakes games, the NFL presents a different level of competition. The defensive players are bigger, faster, and smarter. The schemes are more complex, and the margin for error is smaller. Bennett has had to refine his decision-making, timing, and mechanics to meet these new demands. Still, his natural football instincts, honed over years of starting in the SEC, have helped him make the transition smoother than some might have expected.
Bennett’s ability to read defenses and process information quickly has been one of his strongest attributes. While he might not have the elite arm strength or mobility of other quarterbacks, his cerebral approach to the game has allowed him to compensate for those limitations. He has always been an excellent decision-maker, knowing when to take risks and when to be conservative. That trait has been critical as he competes for a spot with the Rams, as the ability to quickly assess the field and make quick decisions is a crucial skill for any NFL quarterback.
In addition to his football IQ, Bennett has earned praise for his leadership skills. While he may not have the prototypical physical tools that NFL scouts often look for, Bennett’s leadership and charisma have been invaluable assets. He’s known for his unwavering confidence and ability to inspire his teammates, which was one of the key reasons why he was able to lead Georgia to such historic heights. His presence in the locker room and on the practice field has not gone unnoticed, as Rams coaches have expressed admiration for his competitive nature and the way he approaches every rep with intensity.
For the Rams, adding Bennett to the roster gives them a young quarterback with significant upside. While Stafford is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, his age and injury history have made it clear that Los Angeles needs to start thinking about the future at the position. The Rams have made it clear that they see Bennett as someone who could develop into a reliable backup and possibly more over time. Given his work ethic, ability to learn from Stafford, and competitive drive, Bennett has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback — it’s just a matter of how quickly he can adapt to the NFL.
In his first NFL training camp, Bennett has faced some inevitable growing pains. The speed and complexity of the game have required him to adjust his timing and mechanics, but he has also demonstrated moments of brilliance. His connection with the Rams’ offensive coordinators and coaches has been one of the key aspects of his early development. The team has been impressed with how quickly Bennett has been able to grasp the playbook and adjust to the nuances of the Rams’ offense, which is built around quick decision-making and precision passing.
What’s been particularly impressive about Bennett’s journey is his ability to take criticism and use it as fuel to improve. His college career was not without its doubters — many questioned whether he had what it took to lead a team to a national championship, let alone succeed at the NFL level. But Bennett has never let those doubts define him. Instead, he has used them to drive himself to work harder and become better. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself, and it’s clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to prove that he belongs at the highest level.
Despite the challenges ahead, Bennett’s mindset remains focused. He knows that the NFL is a different animal than college football, but he also knows that he’s capable of rising to the occasion. His journey from being an overlooked, undersized quarterback to a national champion and now an NFL hopeful is one of grit, determination, and unwavering belief. As he competes for a job with the Rams, Bennett has already proven that he has the heart and mental toughness to succeed in the face of adversity. Whether he earns the backup job this season or has to wait for an opportunity down the road, there is no question that Bennett will continue to give everything he has to make his dream of becoming an NFL quarterback a reality.
For Rams fans, the competition for the backup quarterback position might seem like a small part of the bigger picture, but for Bennett, it’s everything. He’s not just trying to secure a roster spot — he’s trying to prove that he belongs in the NFL. He’s trying to show that he can be more than just a college football legend; he’s trying to write his own story in the NFL and make a name for himself at the highest level.
As the Rams move forward in their quest to contend for championships with Stafford at the helm, Bennett’s journey is a reminder of how unpredictable and fascinating the NFL can be. Sometimes, it’s not just about the biggest arm or the most elite physical tools — it’s about a player’s ability to rise to the occasion and outwork the competition. Stetson Bennett’s journey is just beginning, but he has already proven that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Now, it’s a matter of whether he can continue to elevate his game and carve out a role for himself in the NFL. One thing is for sure: if history has shown us anything, it’s that Stetson Bennett is never someone to count out.
