NFL Scouts and GMs Weigh in on Stetson Bennett
Stetson Bennett has been one of the most closely followed quarterbacks who is not projected to be a first-round pick in this year's draft. Labeled as "undersized" or "too old" throughout his career by critics, the former walk-on has done just about everything possible to prove his doubters wrong.
But what are NFL scouts saying about the two-time national championship MVP? A handful of scouts and NFL executives anonymously weighed in on what they thought of the former walk-on.
Stetson Bennett takes the field during the 2023 National Championship game.
Many commented on their concerns with Bennett's attitude and confidence. Some even mentioned the struggles he would face given his size.
"He's competitive. He's got the ability to make all the throws. He's a playmaker. He's accurate. He has a high football IQ. He's just undersized. You see bad body language. He has a super-high opinion of himself. He's talented, but is he going to be one of those dudes that sits behind just thinking he's better than everyone else?"
-AFC Coordinator
"Obviously, I've got a ton of respect for what he's done. He's a different dude. He carries himself like he's got two national championships, and he does. He's going to walk into a building, it's like, OK, congratulations -- that's really awesome what you did in college. But none of that matters anymore. What is it that's going to translate? Now, I do think he's smart, I think he sees it and he's a good athlete. I question just overall arm talent a little bit. If he can come in and do everything he's got to do and it matters to him to the point he's going to embrace fighting it out to be a backup, which is the reality, and having to just slug it out for a year or two and hope for an opportunity ... If he's wired enough to do that, then he's going to have a chance. He's real small -- Bryce Young small. So he's got to overcome some stuff. But it's about winning. He's shown he can win. He had a lot around him, but you've still got to make the plays, and he did."
-AFC QB's Coach
While some within the league may be weary of Bennett's aura, others seem to love his persona.
"He's done some dumb s---. But you kind of like him. He's like, You know what? F--- it, here you go. Go ahead and not draft me or take me late and piss me off some more. But he doesn't even look at like it like he's got a chip on his shoulder. I just think I'm better than you -- he's talked himself into that. And you can poke holes in him all you want -- he's bigger than Bryce Young. He won more games than Bryce. I know he's older, but he's a sharp guy, can make plays with his feet and, at the same time, can make plays with his arm. Does he have a big arm? No. But he's good enough. He's tough as hell."
-NFC Executive
While critics of Bennett's attitude and recent off-field antics may have legitimate concerns over drafting him. It goes without saying that Bennett's persona and no-quit attitude are one of the reasons he is in the position he is in today.
