Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay held a press conference after the 2023 NFL Draft concluded on Saturday and explained the franchise’s decision to select Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett with the 128th overall pick.
McVay, 37, and the organization are currently going through a rebuild process. Having the two-time national champion learn from Matthew Stafford can set up the team for years to come.
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“I think his journey, people take for granted,” McVay said. “This guy is just a really good football player because of the background, and the way that he became the starter at Georgia is a little bit unconventional.
“It wasn’t the five-star route, but I think it minimized the athleticism, the ability to create off-schedule. He’s a natural thrower of the football, he can play with great anticipation, throws the ball with accuracy, plays within the timing.”
Bennett, 25, went in the fourth round despite off-the-field issues hurting his draft stock to the point that some pundits believe he would go undrafted.
Stetson Bennett calls Sean McVay a ‘genius’
Last time the Rams drafted a quarterback was in 2016 when they traded up a record 14 spots to select Jared Goff with the first overall pick.
“Excited to work with Coach McVay,” Bennett said. “I hear he’s a genius.”
Bennett also praised Stafford, a 14-year veteran who the young QB considers to be among the best ever, saying he’s ready to learn as much as possible.
“He’s one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play the game,” Bennett said of Stafford. “And he’s tough as nails, and all of his teammates seem to always like him. And so I’m excited to just go in there, be quiet, take notes and learn.”
