Matthew Stafford Scouts Rams’ Stetson Bennett: ‘Talented Kid!’

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is impressed by his rookie understudy Stetson Bennett.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford watched Stetson Bennett guide his alma matter -- the University of Georgia -- to back-to-back College Football Playoff National Championship victories to conclude his NCAA career. Now, the two are teammates, and Stafford remains impressed by Bennett. 

The Rams selected Bennett in the fourth round of this year's NFL Draft, and he's competing with veteran Brett Rypien to be Stafford's backup this season. For his part, Stafford has definitely taken notice of the 25-year-old rookie. 

"“It's been good. I think he's a talented kid," Stafford said Wednesday. "Obviously really athletic, throws it around, made some nice plays on the move today, kind of scrambling after the play. I think there's always a lot to learn as a rookie to feel comfortable in an offense, especially in your first time on an NFL field in a training camp practice but I thought he handled himself well.”

Bennett made Georgia as a walk-on in 2017, but transferred and played JUCO ball at Jones College in Mississippi for a season before eventually returning to Georgia in 2019. It wasn't until his junior season of 2021 that things really clicked for Bennett, but he ultimately tossed 56 touchdowns to 14 interceptions over his final two collegiate seasons, turning himself into an NFL prospect despite being quite a bit older than most in his draft class. 

What Bennett's ceiling in the NFL is remains to be seen. Obviously, in an ideal world for the Rams, Stafford will play all 17 games and lead them back to the postseason after a disappointing 2022 season. But a year ago, Stafford had two stints in concussion protocol, and given the beating that he took during his 12 years with the Detroit Lions, you do wonder if things are finally starting to catch up to him physically. 

If Stafford needs to be relieved during a game or has an injury that's just going to cost him a week, perhaps inserting the veteran Rypien and asking him to manage the game would be the best bet for coach Sean McVay. But if there ends up being an extended opportunity for someone other than Stafford to quarterback the Rams in 2023, you wonder if Bennett will be afforded that opportunity. 

You can follow Tim Kelly @TimKellySports on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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