Quarterback Stetson Bennett IV will go down as one of the best quarterbacks in Georgia Bulldogs history, winning two national championships and multiple MVP honors. After a historic collegiate career, though, Bennett’s future in the NFL doesn’t look promising.
Coming off his second national title, Bennett’ will be 26 years old ‘s resume includes the 2022 Manning Award, a second-team All-SEC selection and Offensive MVP honors in the 2021 Orange Bowl, 2022 Peach Bowl and 2023 CFP National Championship Game.
- Stetson Bennett career stats: 8,428 passing yards, 65% completion, 160.7 QB rating
A former walk-on who saw limited playing time until the 2021 season, Bennett played at a high level in his final two years. He posted 56-14 TD-INT ratio, tacking on a career-high 10 rushing touchdowns this past season.
However, Bennett is not considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft. As teams begin diving further into this year’s quarterback class, the consensus on Bennett seems to be getting worse heading into the NFL Scouting Combine.
According to the 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov, the buzz coming out of the Senior Bowl is that Bennett’s stock is dropping, with many around the NFL now believing he will be a late Day 3 pick.
“We talked to Stetson’s people. They were not interested.”
Senior Bowkl executive director Jim Nagy on Stetson Bennett
Why NFL teams are low on Stetson Bennett
There are several factors hurting Bennett’s draft stock. He is one of the oldest players in the 2023 NFL Draft and will turn 26 years old in October. Youth is one factor weighed into long-term development and Bennett’s second NFL contract might not come until he enters his age-30 season.
Related: 2023 college football rankings
Bennett’s size also works against him. While Georgia listed him at 5-foot-11, listed measurements by college programs are often favorable to the player. There’s a chance that the former Georgia star comes in at 5-foot-10, creating a huge concern regarding his size.
While Bryce Young is of similar height, he offers superior physical skills and displayed better command as the focal point of his college offense. NFL teams are still concerned about Young’s size translating to the NFL level long-term, but a lack of talent nor processing ability are questions with the former Alabama quarterback.
Bennett’s recent off-field arrest for public intoxication also raised red flags. While Baker Mayfield was arrested and charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest, the incident happened a year before he was drafted and he was several years younger than Bennett is now.
Questions about maturity could’ve been answered at the Senior Bowl, a one-week showcase where NFL Draft prospects interview with teams and can prove themselves in practice. However, Bennett chose to pass on the Senior Bowl invitation.
- Stetson Bennett stats vs pressure (PFF): 3-3 TD-INT, 45.9% completion, 64.9 QB rating
A limited physical profile, questionable decision-making and a lack of fundamentals like consistently progressing through reads and handling pressure are all concerns NFL teams have with Bennett.
Combined with his small frame and recent decisions in the pre-draft process, Bennett projects as a sixth or seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft who will need to fight to earn a spot on a 53-man roster.
