Stetson Bennett, the quarterback who defied expectations to lead the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back National Championships, finds himself once again in a familiar position: the underdog fighting for his professional life. As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for their 2025 training camp, Bennett is locked in a crucial battle for an NFL roster spot, navigating a competitive quarterback room and seeking to prove he belongs at the highest level of the sport. This isn’t just about making the team; it’s about solidifying a professional career for a player whose journey has always been defined by resilience and overcoming doubts.
After being selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft (128th overall), Bennett’s rookie year was unexpectedly cut short when he was placed on the Non-Football Injury list due to an undisclosed personal issue, which he later clarified as mental health reasons. This absence meant he missed the entirety of the 2023 season, putting a significant pause on his transition to the NFL.
His return to active status in 2024 brought a mix of promising flashes and continued struggles during the preseason. While he notably led the Rams to a 13-12 win over Dallas and had some “really good reps” during OTAs, his preseason statistics, including multiple interceptions, highlighted the steep learning curve from college to the pros. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur has expressed satisfaction with Bennett’s growth, stating that he’s “on the right track” and has “shown a ton of growth, particularly from two years ago.” LaFleur also emphasized that Bennett simply “needs to play football,” indicating the importance of his upcoming preseason opportunities.
As of July 2025, the Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback depth chart is headlined by veteran Matthew Stafford, the undisputed starter and Super Bowl champion. Behind him, the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year deal, firmly positioning him as the primary backup for the 2025 season. This means Bennett is competing for the third-string quarterback job, a critical role that often determines whether a player makes the 53-man roster, lands on the practice squad, or faces the difficult reality of being cut.
The direct competition for Bennett comes in the form of Dresser Winn, a former UT-Martin quarterback whom the Rams reportedly signed to add more competition to the room. This direct head-to-head battle will be a central storyline throughout training camp and the preseason.
- Roster Security: Making the 53-man roster, even as a third-string quarterback, is a significant achievement in the NFL. It guarantees a salary, continued access to NFL-level coaching, and a clear pathway to develop. Missing out could mean landing on the practice squad (which still offers development but less security) or, worse, being released and having to seek opportunities elsewhere.
- Contract Year Implications: The 2025 season is the first of the final two years on Bennett’s rookie contract. His performance in training camp and the preseason will heavily influence his future with the Rams and his overall NFL trajectory. If he can solidify his spot as the third-stringer or even push Garoppolo, it could set him up for a more significant role in 2026 or 2027 when Stafford’s and Garoppolo’s contracts could expire.
- Proving NFL Readiness: Bennett’s college career was defined by his uncanny ability to perform under pressure and lead his team to victory despite often being underestimated. However, the NFL is a different beast. This training camp is his clearest opportunity to show that he has adapted to the speed, complexity, and demands of the professional game. This includes demonstrating:
- Improved Decision-Making: Minimizing the interceptions that plagued him in his limited 2024 preseason action.
- Command of the Offense: Showing fluidity and confidence in making play calls and executing the scheme.
- Footwork and Mechanics: Continuing to refine his pocket presence and throwing mechanics under NFL coaching.
- Leadership and Composure: Displaying the calm, competitive demeanor that characterized his Georgia career.
- The “Underdog” Narrative Continues: Bennett’s entire football life has been about proving doubters wrong. From walk-on to two-time national champion, he thrives when faced with skepticism. This competition against Winn, and the broader fight for a secure spot behind Stafford and Garoppolo, aligns perfectly with his established narrative. Fans, particularly those from Georgia, will be watching eagerly to see if he can pull off another unexpected triumph.
The preseason games will be crucial for Bennett. With Stafford and Garoppolo likely to be held out for most, if not all, of the preseason, Bennett and Winn are expected to split the majority of snaps. This means Bennett will get significant playing time to showcase his improvements and make a compelling case to the coaching staff.
The Rams’ 2025 preseason schedule is as follows:
- August 9: vs. Dallas Cowboys
- August 16: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
- August 23: at Cleveland Browns
These games will be Bennett’s chance to demonstrate consistency, poise, and playmaking ability against live NFL competition. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s comments that Bennett “just needs to play football” underscore the importance of these reps.
Even if Bennett secures the third-string job, his path to significant regular-season snaps remains challenging as long as Stafford and Garoppolo stay healthy. However, the NFL is a league of attrition, and opportunities can arise quickly. His primary focus will be on learning, developing, and being prepared should his number be called.
For the Los Angeles Rams, having a developing, capable third-string quarterback is valuable. It provides insurance in case of injuries and a long-term developmental project. For Stetson Bennett, this summer represents a critical juncture in his journey. It’s his chance to cement his place in the NFL, to continue writing his unlikely football story, and to prove, once again, that the underdog has more fight left than anyone expects. The competition is fierce, the stakes are high, but for Stetson Bennett, that’s exactly where he thrives.
