Raven 'Best Fit' For National Champion QB Stetson Bennett

If Lamar Jackson moves, could the Baltimore Ravens potentially groom Georgia's national champion thrower Stetson Bennett.

Judging solely by how many times they've been bestowed a trophy with "MVP" engraved on it, Stetson Bennett might have Lamar Jackson beat.

The future of Bennett, the quarterback for the two-time defending national champion University of Georgia Bulldogs, has been discussed even since the final seconds ticked away from the team's blowout triumph over TCU in January. Despite his packed collegiate resume, many believe that the undersized Bennett's NFL future lies in the third day of the NFL Draft either through hearing his name called in the final four rounds or rookie free agency. 

If Bennett does have an NFL future, CBS Sports, taking a look at potential late-round selections (with Bennett joined by names like national title counterpart Max Duggan), believes that the best fit would beat the Baltimore Ravens.

"While it doesn't make sense initially for someone like Bennett to be Lamar Jackson's backup, the fit in Baltimore makes sense upon further examination," analyst Garrett Podell writes. "The Ravens personnel is stylistically similar to what Bennett had at Georgia: a punishing offensive line, a dominant tight end (Mark Andrews) and speed at the wide receiver position (Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, and James Proche)." 

Bennett already has history with a vital new member of the Ravens' coaching staff: he has spent the past three years amassing a 29-3 record as the Bulldogs' starter alongside offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who is fulfilling the same role in Charm City. Their shared tenure helped UGA become the class of major college football, winning each of the last two College Football Playoff championship games. Bennett was named the offensive MVP in each of the title game wins over Alabama and TCU.

That adds to a packed trophy case that includes MVP honors in the CFP semifinal victories and the most recent SEC title game. Bennett is also the current holder of the Manning Award (bestowed to the nation's best quarterback) and the Burlsworth Trophy (awarded to the best player who began his career as a walk-on). Despite his accomplishments, his 5-foot-11, 192-lb. frame and advanced age (set to turn 26 in October) have scared off prospects, as has a January arrest for public intoxication.

Little more needs to be said about the Ravens' ongoing drama under center. While Bennett's immediate professional future appears to be designation as either an NFL project, adding a familiar name like Bennett would certainly soothe the blow if Lamar Jackson is destined to ditch purple.

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held April 27-29 in Kansas City.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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