NFL Draft rumors: Stetson Bennett IV could see draft stock fall with off-field concerns

Some NFL teams have real concerns about former Georgia star quarterback Stetson Bennett IV in the final days of the 2023 NFL Draft process.

Although Georgia football legend Stetson Bennett IV will be drafted by an NFL team at the end of the month, some franchises are turned off by his lack of maturity and off-the-field issues according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN (subscription required).

While I don’t really subscribe to that, I do understand why some front-office executives could feel this way. Admittedly, Bennett’s NFL Draft stock was not all that high to begin with. He would not have been drafted a year ago had he not used his sixth year of eligibility at Georgia. Thankfully, he did and became one of the greatest players in college football history in the process. Good for him!

Whether it was his January public intoxication arrest in Dallas, his unforgettable Good Morning America interview, his debonair approach to Georgia’s second national championship parade, or just the fact he does not interview well, that would be a lot for an NFL franchise to take on with a blue-chip quarterback prospect, let alone a celebrity backup. Then again, all it takes is for one team to say yes in April.

Let’s discuss if we are making a mountain out of a molehill or if is there some validity to all of this.

Stetson Bennett IV could see his slim NFL Draft stock fall even further now

I think the reason why I don’t have a problem with Bennett’s perceived off-the-field issues is that these are all fixable things, and all that really matters is can you play ball? The Mailman always delivered, especially in the moments when the game required him to play his best football. His size and age were always going to be detractions for him, but what you see is what you get with him.

His athleticism, powerful arm and poise under duress are all traits worthy of having in an NFL quarterback room. I wouldn’t build a team around him professionally, but he can have success at the next level as a high-end backup. If given the opportunity, he will win games in this league. I just don’t think in a league with elite athletes that he can consistently play up to their level on Sundays.

Overall, he may need to tone it down on the drinking. I mean, it’s fun. I do like to get after from time to time. Then again, I’m not an NFL Draft prospect at the quarterback position. I’m just your favorite sports stooge scribe. Love me or hate me, I’m here for it. And that is why I slap so hard for Bennett. He is an underdog with a bit of an edge to him, so that definitely resonates with me.

Ultimately, Bennett is not going to get the benefit of the doubt in the NFL because, well, he never has. He is Baker Mayfield, but with probably a greater sense of self-awareness. Keep in mind that Mayfield went No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Browns in 2018. I mean, they are the Browns, but he was a no-doubt, first-rounder coming out anyway, and even he carried with him a ton of baggage.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so I understand why not everyone loves The Mailman.

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