NFL Insider Reveals Rams Process That Lead to Drafting QB Stetson Bennett
The Los Angeles Rams' selection of quarterback Stetson Bennett was one of the most talked about in the later rounds of the draft.
Despite Bennett's accomplishments with the Georgia Bulldogs, many had concerns about him as an NFL prospect. The main knocks on him were his small size, standing at just 5-11 and 190 pounds, and his character, largely stemming from an arrest for public intoxication in January. Some even predicted the two-time national champion would go undrafted due to these concerns.
The Rams disagreed, though, enough to take him with the No. 128 pick in the draft. Now, a recent ESPN article has shed some light onto the process behind L.A.'s decision to take Bennett, a decision general manager Les Snead was heavily involved in.
"Snead was intrigued by the quarterback early in the pre-draft process, and did a lot of legwork leading up to taking Bennett in the fourth round -- higher than many teams expected," ESPN writes. "Based on talent, the selection was not a reach: Some teams had Bennett ranked as QB6 based on the tape. Character/maturity concerns were on file for many teams, but one league exec pointed out the Rams aren't afraid to bet on players they believe in and look 'more at the wiring, the look in their eye' than other risk-averse teams might."
The Rams certainly aren't afraid to take risks, as their moves to go all in and win a Super Bowl would show.
Additionally, head coach Sean McVay also played a big role in this selection. McVay reportedly liked what he saw on Bennett's tape, and with a lack of depth at quarterback, the decision was clear.
"McVay knew the Rams had many positional needs, probably more than in the past, and only so many picks to fill them," ESPN writes. "But he knew that they had to fill the quarterback room (Matthew Stafford was the only passer on the roster as of two weeks ago), and L.A. trading back twice in order to acquire nine Day 3 picks made taking a quarterback that much easier."
Bennett has faced doubts at every stage of his career, joining the Bulldogs as a walk-on and leaving them as a legend. For him, the draft concerns were just another obstacle to overcome.
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