Stetson Bennett's Rams Journey: From Champion to Backup Behind Tre Harris?

Aug 17, 2025

Stetson Bennett's Rams Journey: From National Champion to Backup Behind Tre Harris?

Stetson Bennett's career trajectory is one of the most compelling stories in recent football history. From a walk-on quarterback at Georgia to a two-time National Champion, his unlikely rise captivated college football fans. Now, as he embarks on his NFL journey with the Los Angeles Rams, the question is: Can he replicate that success at the professional level? Or will he be relegated to a backup role, perhaps even behind an unexpected challenger like Tre Harris?

The Stetson Bennett Story: An Unconventional Path to Glory

Bennett's college career was anything but straightforward. Initially a walk-on at Georgia, he transferred to Jones College before returning to Athens. He spent time as a scout team quarterback, helping the Bulldogs prepare for their opponents. His perseverance eventually paid off when he was thrust into the starting role due to injuries and inconsistencies at the quarterback position.

What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Bennett led the Bulldogs to back-to-back National Championships in 2021 and 2022, silencing doubters and solidifying his place in Georgia football lore. His leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to make crucial plays earned him the respect of coaches, teammates, and fans alike. He wasn't the most physically gifted quarterback, but his intelligence, determination, and grit were undeniable.

**2017-2018:** Walk-on at Georgia, transfers to Jones College.
**2019:** Returns to Georgia as a scholarship player.
**2020:** Backs up D'Wan Mathis and JT Daniels.
**2021:** Leads Georgia to a National Championship victory over Alabama.
**2022:** Captains Georgia to an undefeated season and another National Championship win, defeating TCU.

The NFL Draft and the Rams' Decision

Despite his college success, questions lingered about Bennett's NFL potential. His age (he was 25 at the time of the draft), arm strength, and overall athleticism were often cited as reasons why he might not translate well to the professional game. However, his football IQ, accuracy, and experience in big games were also seen as valuable assets.

The Los Angeles Rams, seeking to add depth and competition to their quarterback room, selected Bennett in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Rams were coming off a disappointing Super Bowl title defense in 2022, and questions surrounded Matthew Stafford's long-term health. Drafting Bennett provided the Rams with a potential backup plan and an opportunity to develop a young quarterback.

The Rams' Quarterback Landscape: Stafford, Bennett, and the Tre Harris Factor

Heading into the 2023 season, the Rams' quarterback depth chart appeared relatively straightforward: Matthew Stafford as the unquestioned starter, Stetson Bennett as the primary backup, and other quarterbacks competing for roster spots. However, the NFL is a constantly evolving landscape, and unforeseen circumstances can quickly change the pecking order.

Matthew Stafford remains the key to the Rams' success. His health and performance will dictate the team's fortunes. However, given his injury history, the Rams need to have a capable backup ready to step in at any moment.

Then comes the question about Tre Harris. The reference to Tre Harris likely stems from undrafted free agent or perhaps even future draft prospects. While not currently a prominent name in the NFL quarterback conversation, the possibility of an unexpected player rising through the ranks and challenging for a roster spot is always present. It highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the constant competition that exists at every position.

Factors influencing who is the true number two behind Stafford include:

**Bennett's Development:** Can Bennett improve his arm strength, decision-making, and overall consistency? The speed of the NFL game is significantly faster than college, and he'll need to adapt quickly.
**Coaching Staff's Evaluation:** The Rams' coaching staff, led by Sean McVay, will have a significant say in Bennett's role. They'll evaluate his performance in practice, preseason games, and film study to determine his readiness to contribute.
**Stafford's Health:** As mentioned earlier, Stafford's health is paramount. If he were to miss significant time due to injury, Bennett would be thrust into the starting role, providing a real-world test of his abilities.
**Emergence of Other Quarterbacks:** While less likely, the possibility of another quarterback on the roster or a future acquisition surpassing Bennett on the depth chart cannot be ruled out. The NFL is a competitive league, and players are constantly vying for roster spots.

Bennett's Strengths and Weaknesses as an NFL Quarterback

To understand Bennett's potential role with the Rams, it's crucial to analyze his strengths and weaknesses as an NFL quarterback.

Strengths:

Football IQ and Decision-Making: Bennett is known for his intelligence and ability to read defenses. He makes quick decisions and generally avoids costly turnovers. This is a crucial attribute for any NFL quarterback, especially in a complex offensive system like the Rams'.
Accuracy: While his arm strength may be questioned, Bennett is an accurate passer, particularly on short and intermediate routes. He can consistently put the ball where his receivers need it to be.
Poise Under Pressure: Bennett has proven time and again that he can perform in high-pressure situations. His experience in college championship games has prepared him for the intensity of the NFL.
Mobility: Bennett is not a statue in the pocket. He can extend plays with his legs and make throws on the run, adding another dimension to the Rams' offense.
Leadership: Bennett was a respected leader at Georgia, and he brings that same leadership quality to the Rams. He commands the huddle and inspires his teammates.

Weaknesses:

Arm Strength: Bennett's arm strength is perhaps his biggest limitation. He may struggle to make deep throws with the same velocity and accuracy as other NFL quarterbacks.
Age: At 25, Bennett is older than most rookie quarterbacks. This means he has less time to develop and reach his full potential.
Size: Bennett is not the biggest quarterback, which could make him more susceptible to injuries in the NFL.
Competition: The NFL is filled with talented quarterbacks, and Bennett will face stiff competition for playing time.
Adjusting to NFL Speed: The speed of the game at the NFL level is significantly faster than college. Bennett will need to quickly adapt to the increased pace and complexity of NFL defenses.

The Importance of the Backup Quarterback Role

In the NFL, the backup quarterback is arguably the most important player on the roster besides the starter. As the saying goes, the most popular player on any NFL team is the backup quarterback. This is because injuries are rampant in the league, and teams often need to rely on their backup quarterbacks to win games.

Consider the following:

Injury Insurance: The backup quarterback is essentially the team's insurance policy. If the starter goes down with an injury, the backup must be ready to step in and lead the team.
Game Management: Even if the starter remains healthy, the backup quarterback can play a crucial role in game management. He can provide valuable insights on the sideline and help the starter make adjustments.
Developmental Opportunity: The backup quarterback role provides a valuable developmental opportunity for young quarterbacks. They can learn from the starter, study film, and hone their skills in practice.
Maintaining Team Morale: A good backup quarterback can also help maintain team morale. By being a supportive teammate and a positive influence, he can contribute to a winning culture.

How Bennett Can Succeed in the NFL

While the path to becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL is challenging, Bennett has the potential to carve out a successful career as a valuable backup. Here's how he can maximize his chances:

Continued Development: Bennett must continue to work on his arm strength, decision-making, and overall consistency. He needs to dedicate himself to improving his game every day.
Mastering the Rams' Offense: Learning the Rams' playbook inside and out is crucial. Bennett needs to understand the intricacies of the offense and be able to execute it flawlessly.
Building Chemistry with Receivers: Developing a strong rapport with the Rams' receivers is essential. Bennett needs to know their strengths and weaknesses and be able to anticipate their routes.
Earning the Trust of the Coaching Staff: Building trust with the coaching staff is paramount. Bennett needs to demonstrate his work ethic, dedication, and willingness to learn.
Being Prepared: The key to success as a backup quarterback is being prepared. Bennett needs to approach every practice and every game as if he's going to be called upon to play.

The Sean McVay Factor: A Quarterback-Friendly System

One of the biggest advantages Bennett has is playing under Sean McVay, one of the most innovative and respected offensive minds in the NFL. McVay has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, and his quarterback-friendly system could be a perfect fit for Bennett's skill set.

McVay's offense is known for its:

Play-Action Emphasis: McVay utilizes play-action extensively, which can help Bennett compensate for his arm strength by creating easier throws.
Quick Passing Game: The Rams' offense features a quick passing game that emphasizes accuracy and timing, which are two of Bennett's strengths.
Receiver-Friendly Routes: McVay designs routes that are easy for receivers to understand and execute, making it easier for the quarterback to make accurate throws.
Emphasis on Pre-Snap Reads: McVay emphasizes pre-snap reads, which allows the quarterback to identify defensive weaknesses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage.

Potential Scenarios for Bennett's Rams Career

Several scenarios could play out for Bennett during his Rams career:

Backup Quarterback: The most likely scenario is that Bennett serves as the primary backup to Matthew Stafford. He would be ready to step in if Stafford gets injured and would have the opportunity to develop his skills behind the scenes.
Spot Starter: If Stafford were to miss a significant amount of time due to injury, Bennett could have the opportunity to start several games. This would be a crucial test of his abilities and could determine his long-term future in the NFL.
Trade Candidate: If Bennett performs well as a backup, he could become a trade candidate for other teams seeking a quarterback. The Rams could potentially acquire valuable draft picks or players in exchange for Bennett.
Roster Cut: While less likely, the possibility of Bennett being cut from the roster cannot be ruled out. If he struggles in practice and preseason games, the Rams could decide to go in a different direction.

The Tre Harris Wildcard: A Long Shot with Potential

The mention of Tre Harris as a potential challenger, while seemingly a long shot, highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL. Undrafted free agents and late-round draft picks often defy expectations and emerge as valuable contributors. The Rams' coaching staff will be constantly evaluating all of their quarterbacks, and if Harris (or another unknown player) demonstrates exceptional talent and potential, he could certainly challenge Bennett for a roster spot or even the backup role.

This underscores the importance of:

Competition: Competition is a driving force in the NFL. It pushes players to improve and perform at their best.
Opportunity: Opportunity is crucial for young players. They need to be given a chance to showcase their abilities and prove themselves.
Development: Player development is a key aspect of NFL success. Teams invest heavily in developing young players and turning them into valuable contributors.

Conclusion: An Unwritten Chapter

Stetson Bennett's Rams journey is an unwritten chapter in his already remarkable story. From walk-on to National Champion, he has consistently defied expectations and proven his doubters wrong. While the NFL presents a new set of challenges, Bennett has the talent, work ethic, and determination to succeed. Whether he becomes a starting quarterback, a valuable backup, or something in between, his journey will undoubtedly be one to watch. The unexpected rise of a player like Tre Harris, however improbable, reminds us that in the NFL, anything is possible, and the only constant is competition.

Only time will tell what the future holds for Stetson Bennett and his quest to make his mark in the NFL. One thing is certain: he will approach the challenge with the same unwavering belief and relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined his career thus far.

Ultimately, Stetson Bennett's story with the Rams will be one of perseverance, adaptation, and the constant pursuit of improvement in a league where nothing is guaranteed, and the next unexpected challenger is always waiting in the wings.