Former Rams 4th-Rounder Showing Clear Signs of Growth

Stetson Bennett is finally looking like the Los Angeles Rams quarterback who led Georgia to back-to-back national titles.

With Matthew Stafford sidelined by a back issue, Bennett is taking advantage of extra reps behind Jimmy Garoppolo.

And for the first time since being drafted in 2023, the 27-year-old is showing command of the Rams offense during training camp.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Bennett is working with the second unit and delivering consistent results — big plays, efficient throws, and no turnovers. “Everything is just more comfortable,” Bennett said after Thursday’s full-pads practice.

Last year, Bennett was away from the team during the regular season while managing a mental health issue. He returned in 2024 as the team’s No. 3 quarterback but never looked in rhythm. That’s changed. He now looks confident, prepared, and sharp in drills.

Head coach Sean McVay sees the difference. “Confidence, and he’s enjoying it,” McVay said. “When he gets into a rhythm and he’s smiling… there’s an enjoyment for mastering their craft and of being totally immersed in the moment.”

Bennett is doing more than just executing plays. He’s taking ownership of the offense, initiating conversations with quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone after each series, and actively adjusting based on defensive reads.

“Every day, he’ll challenge me a little bit more,” Bennett said of Ragone. “I know a little bit more of what’s going on. Whereas last year I was a lot more reactionary, this year I kind of know what I’m looking at, and what could have changed or might have happened if I’d done something different.”

That awareness is starting to show up in practice. Bennett has connected with receivers on multiple touchdowns and deep throws, including in red zone and third-down situations. He’s also avoided poor decisions — a shift from some of his up-and-down moments during the 2023 preseason.

The mentorship from Stafford and Garoppolo is also part of the turnaround. Bennett credited both for helping him approach each day with better structure and mental prep. He admitted he’s “bummed” Stafford isn’t practicing, but he’s clearly benefitting from the extra workload.

That will continue next week when the Rams travel to Oxnard for joint practices with the Cowboys. Bennett is expected to get extended work during the Tuesday session and could start on Aug. 9 in the preseason opener against Dallas at SoFi Stadium.

“It’s been two or three [years] since I’ve gotten to practice meaningful snaps, so I’m really grateful for it,” Bennett said. “And I try to be confident and ready and present every single day. It will be exciting to play other people. I know some dudes on the Cowboys, so that will be fun.”

For now, Bennett is locked in as the Rams’ QB3, but this version looks far more comfortable than last season. Whether it results in long-term opportunity or just a more stable camp presence, the Rams are getting the best version of their 2023 fourth-round pick at the right time.

With Stafford working back to full health and Garoppolo holding the top spot for now, Bennett’s steady development gives L.A. a third quarterback they can trust — one who’s finally playing with poise again.

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