Rams head coach Sean McVay likes what he sees from a certain back-to-back national champion quarterback.
When discussing the rookie class at Rams mandatory minicamp this week, McVay expressed how “pleased” he’s been with former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett, who was taken by Los Angeles in the fourth round (No. 128 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft amid previous speculation he wouldn’t be selected at all.
“I’ve been really pleased with him,” McVay said according to Yahoo! Sports. “The one thing that stands out is when the ball is in Stetson’s hands, the game makes sense to him. He’s got a good feel for being able to get through progressions quickly. He can feel space on the back end as it relates to different coverage counters that he’s seen, but he feels open areas and gets through things quickly. I love the athleticism but there’s a lot of work to be done. He stays nice and steady, doesn’t get too high or low, and he’s fun to be around.”
In addition to McVay, the 25-year-old Bennett has wowed veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, a fellow Georgia alum, who is entering his third year with the Rams.
“He’s done a great job,” Stafford said. “Though it’s a lot for a young guy to process and a lot to learn he’s done a great job. He’s got great athleticism, throws the ball well, and does a lot of things really well. I’m happy for him.”
Although Bennett had impressive stats entering this year’s draft — 4,128 passing yards, a 68 percent completion rate, and 27 touchdown passes against seven interceptions in what was a championship season for the Bulldogs — he was embroiled in off-field drama, notably his public intoxication arrest in January.
Bennett expressed remorse over the situation when speaking at the NFL Combine in February.
“It was a mistake that everybody’s aware of,” Bennett told the media at the combine in Indianapolis.
“I understand why that can’t happen. I’ve talked to coaches about it, talked to GMs. I’ve apologized to my family. That’s who I felt worse about; I felt like I let them down because no matter where I go now [people are going to know about it].”
Both Bennett and the Rams are looking to leave the past in the past.
The Rams are coming off of a disappointing 5-12 campaign — one season removed from a Super Bowl championship.
Bennett is expected to be in a backup role.
