Stetson Bennett IV NFL Draft stock hurting for one surprising reason

Former Georgia star quarterback Stetson Bennett IV is not for everyone, and that is totally fine!

With the 2023 NFL Draft less than a week out, people are wondering when Georgia legend Stetson Bennett IV will be picked on day three.

The two-time reigning national champion quarterback had an extreme outside shot at being a day-two pick, but he is not coming off the board until the fourth round at the absolute earliest now. It is not his size, age or Dallas arrest back in January that are major issues for him, in my opinion. It has everything to do with him being a celebrity backup and not one to hold a clipboard.

The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero ranked his quarterback draft prospects and had Bennett 11th behind UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Stanford’s Tanner McKee. All three of whom are slated to be sixth-or-seventh-round picks in his projection. In gathering his intel from front office executives, it seems as though many general managers wonder if he will embrace being a backup.

Here is what one anonymous NFC executive said to Pelissero on his assessment of Bennett.

"“He’s done some dumb s**t. But you kind of like [him]. He’s like, ‘You know what? F**t it, here you go. Go ahead and not draft me or take me late and piss me off some more.’ But he doesn’t even look at like it like he’s got a chip on his shoulder. I just think I’m better than you — he’s talked himself into that. And you can poke holes in him all you want — he’s bigger than Bryce Young. He won more games than Bryce. I know he’s older, but he’s a sharp guy, can make plays with his feet and, at the same time, can make plays with his arm. Does he have a big arm? No. But he’s good enough. He’s tough as hell.”"

Truth be told, I don’t hate this, and neither should you. Bennett is who he is, but is he right for you?

Stetson Bennett IV NFL Draft stock down because of the elitist vibes he gives off

I don’t care if I get burned for this, but I’m going to ride and die with this guy forever. Bennett brought my alma mater two national titles, united a fragmented fanbase and inspired an entire generation of Georgians to trust their instincts and never give up. I do realize the NFL is a totally different beast, but he will make a team better upon arrival, just not in the ways you would think.

I still think he’d be a great addition to the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback room, even after adding journeyman Blaine Gabbert to the fold. Bennett’s personality would jive with Andy Reid, and he would probably thrive playing there. Honestly, it is probably a better fit for him in Kansas City than even former Georgia star quarterback Aaron Murray, who was drafted to play for NFL Mark Richt.

For years, I said Bennett’s draft comp was former Notre Dame star Ian Book. Run, throw a little bit and do the right things to help his strong football team win from an offensive perspective. However, I have changed my tune on Bennett ever so slightly. For better or worse, he is Baker Mayfield. I’ve always been a fan of Mayfield because like me, I think he is misunderstood by most.

And Mayfield went No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Browns in 2018?! Hell will freeze over if Bennett goes to Charlotte before anyone, but his competitiveness is a very redeeming quality in a league that is about just winning on Sunday. His mobility, arm talent and playing his best ball when the game requires it are traits that should not be scoffed at. He will get drafted and he will play on Sundays.

While I have reservations about him having staying power in the league long-term, we will be able to attach an NFL brand to him, no matter how long he plays in the league. Oh, he played for Team X, basically. I don’t know if it’s maturity or boredom, but I anticipate he will come around and be a more refined version of himself as a professional. Bennett has never been afraid to play up before.

Ultimately, his debonair approach to interviews and boulder-sized chip on his shoulders could be off-putting to as many as 31 NFL teams. But you know what? It just takes one! There is a franchise out there that will appreciate him for who he is and will give him the chance he has earned after playing so damn well at Georgia over the last three seasons. That is all we are asking.

I cannot wait to see where the most important UGA player of my lifetime goes to next weekend.