The place will Stetson Bennett get picked within the 2023 NFL draft?
It’s not usually {that a} quarterback prospect like Georgia’s Stetson Bennett walks into the NFL draft dialog along with his monitor file of success on the school degree, however not a lot by way of draft projection.
However that does appear to be the case this yr, as most analysts see Bennett as a fringe late-round decide primarily based on efficiency and intangibles.
This week, ESPN draft professional Mel Kiper Jr. acknowledged Bennett was asked on “First Take” about his projections for Bennett’s eventual draft slot, and he predicts that the back-to-back-national champion can be a third-round choice.
Bennett is among the most profitable quarterbacks in school soccer historical past, main the Bulldogs to 2 straight nationwide titles, with probably the most dominant offenses in your entire nation in each years.
His most up-to-date championship win was an absolute thumping of TCU, ending with an unparalleled rating of 65-7, the place he casually tossed 4 landing passes (and rushed for 2 extra) with over 300 yards, and had a quarterback score of 99.5 earlier than being ceremoniously relived after the primary play of the fourth quarter.
After initially being a stroll on in 2017 (he obtained a scholarship in 2018, after enjoying a yr in junior school), Bennett finally earned the beginning job in 2021. In his two seasons because the starter, Bennett has scored 67 whole touchdowns, with solely 14 turnovers, making him probably the most environment friendly quarterbacks within the nation.
That mentioned, it will be disingenuous to say the items round him weren’t elite, given the receivers he’s had and absolutely the monster of a working sport that the Georgia offense was primarily based round, which averaged 205 yards a sport final season.
Bennett is a brilliant participant who understands what’s in entrance of him, cellular sufficient to make performs each out and in of the pocket, and harmful sufficient on designed runs to make defenses pay for forgetting about him. He’s been correct as a passer all through his profession, and has a quick launch that will get the ball out fast.
He does lack NFL-level arm power, and it turns into noticeable when deep passes are left hanging, and his throws lack a sure zip that’s wanted to suit into tight home windows on the subsequent degree. His his measurement can be a priority, as Bennett is listed at 5-11, 190 kilos.
So, whereas Bennett will nearly actually be drafted sooner or later this yr, it can probably be a late-round flyer primarily based on his successful file and intangibles. He ought to challenge as extra of a developmental backup quarterback than a future starter within the league.
The third spherical feels somewhat excessive for Bennett, and whereas nothing ought to ever shock anybody anymore relating to the draft, seeing a crew spend a Day 2 decide on Bennett would definitely elevate some eyebrows.
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