Don't rule out LA Rams QB Stetson Bennett for a significant role in 2024

Why Stetson Bennett can play a significant role for the Rams in 2024 and beyond

While it's not unusual for any player who is not active on an NFL team roster to be ignored and forgotten about by the fans, don't expect the LA Rams to be as short-sighted. If you recall, the Rams traded up to be able to draft former Georgia QB Stetson Bennett. The Rams did not actively pursue Bennett in the 2023 NFL Draft simply to check a box on the shopping list.

The Rams vetted Bennett extensively, and liked what he brings to the NFL.

Look again at the rookie table above. Six rookie quarterbacks were selected before Bennett. They are Young, Stroud, Richardson, Levis, Hendon Hooker (Detroit Lions), and Jake Haener (New Orleans Saints). With the exception of Stroud and perhaps Levis, rookie quarterbacks are not exactly setting the NFL on fire this season.

The Rams can be Bennett's team someday

Quarterbacks, like every NFL player, need time to catch up to the speed and physicality of the NFL. Even as Bennett may not be directly practicing with the Rams on a daily basis, he has had the opportunity to spend OTAs, training camp, and even preseason games with the team. That sets up Bennett to get the jump on any rookie who can be added to the Rams roster in 2024.

If maturity was the major concern for Bennett arriving at the Rams, then his rite of passage over the course of his 2023 experience in the NFL has served to make him that much tougher. While the Rams may or may not extend Wentz, we do know this to be true.

Stetson Bennett, along with Matthew Stafford, is the only quarterback under contract on the Rams roster beyond 2023.

I do not think that is a mistake or oversight on the Rams part. Even as the Rams have stood behind Stetson Bennett through 2023, I do not see any indication that the Rams have lowered the expectations of what Bennett can do in this Rams offense going forward.

Fans often form hasty decisions about players who struggled in limited NFL snaps. The LA Rams have Stetson Benett under contract though 2026. Have an open mind about the young man, as he proved to be fiercely competitive in winning two consecutive NCAA National Championships with Georgia as a walk-on player.

The Rams are willing to wait to see how Bennett responds in 2024. And if the Rams can be patient, we can too.