University of Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett put the finishing touches on a remarkable collegiate career with the Bulldogs’ 65-7 demolition of TCU in the College Football Playoff Championship. It’s the second National Championship victory in a row for Georgia and Bennett, who began his career in Athens as a walk-on and ended it as one of the four finalists for the 2022 Heisman Trophy.
Bennett, 25, will now embark on his NFL career. Considered a fringe 2023 NFL Draft prospect, it’s more likely Bennett will be signed as an undrafted free agent after the seventh round concludes. He’s undersized at an estimated 5’11” and 190 pounds, and his physical abilities have a relatively low ceiling. But there’s something to be said for a player with Bennett’s winning pedigree.
And that brings us to the Chicago Bears, who could look to add a developmental backup quarterback at some point late in the NFL Draft or shortly after it concludes. Calling Bennett a developmental player seems odd, considering he’s 25 years old. But he’d bring winning work habits and a champions mentality to Halas Hall while he works on his craft as a pro. You can bet both traits will be highlighted on his scouting report.
Trevor Siemian signed a two-year, $4 million contract last offseason and should be back as the Chicago Bears’ QB2 in 2023. But there’s room for a third quarterback on the roster or practice squad, and Bennett could be that guy. He possesses good mobility and accuracy; the Bears wouldn’t have to change their offense if Bennett were called into action. Many of the things he does well are what Justin Fields does well, albeit on a much less explosive scale.
Stetson Bennett isn’t an NFL starting quarterback, but he’s earned the right to get a shot at sticking around the league for a long time as a quality backup. The Chicago Bears are expected to add a bounty of picks throughout the 2023 NFL Draft, making a late-round flier on Bennett a worthwhile investment and a fun storyline to follow.
