The Los Angeles Rams selected Stetson Bennett in the fourth round of the draft last year with intentions of grooming him as a backup to quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, Bennett’s rookie season saw no playing time as he was placed on the non-football illness list in September and remained sidelined for the entire 2023 season.
Despite uncertainties surrounding Bennett’s status for the upcoming 2024 season, he has been actively participating in the team’s offseason program, showing promising signs of progress.
Head coach Sean McVay, while providing a positive update on Bennett’s situation, has not ruled out the possibility of drafting another quarterback this year. McVay emphasized the importance of keeping all options open, indicating that Bennett’s performance will be evaluated alongside potential draft picks.
With the offseason program currently in its initial phase, which primarily consists of meetings and workouts, McVay expressed anticipation for the upcoming on-field sessions where Bennett’s progress can be further assessed.
To bolster their quarterback depth, the Rams secured Jimmy Garoppolo as a free agent, intending for him to serve as the primary backup behind Stafford.
However, Garoppolo’s suspension for the first two games of the season leaves the Rams in need of a reliable option to fill the void during his absence. This situation highlights the significance of the Rams’ decision regarding Bennett’s development and potential drafting of another quarterback.
The impending draft presents an opportunity for the Rams to solidify their quarterback contingency plan. If the team opts not to select a quarterback in the upcoming draft, it could signify their confidence in Bennett’s ability to step up as a reliable backup to Stafford.
The decision-making process reflects the team’s strategic approach in balancing immediate needs with long-term development goals, particularly in the context of quarterback depth and succession planning. Ultimately, the Rams’ actions in the draft will shed light on their assessment of Bennett’s readiness to assume a significant role within the team’s quarterback rotation.
