Stetson Bennett’s Stock Is Rising - And Kliff Kingsbury Might Be the Catalyst
The Los Angeles Rams haven’t exactly made a habit of drafting quarterbacks under Sean McVay. In fact, since taking the reins in 2017, McVay has only used a draft pick on one QB: Stetson Bennett. Sure, the Rams have brought in undrafted rookies here and there, but Bennett is the lone quarterback to actually hear his name called during the draft in the McVay era.
Now, with Kliff Kingsbury stepping into what’s expected to be the offensive coordinator role, Bennett’s trajectory just got a lot more intriguing.
Let’s connect the dots.
Kingsbury is best known for designing the offense that helped Kyler Murray reach his peak in Arizona. Murray, listed at 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds, thrived under Kingsbury’s system, putting up career-best numbers and showcasing his dual-threat ability in a scheme tailored to his strengths. Since Kingsbury’s departure, Murray hasn’t quite looked the same.
Now enter Bennett - 5-foot-11, 192 pounds - who, while slightly taller and lighter, shares a similar profile: mobile, competitive, and confident in tight windows. And in the 2025 preseason, Bennett looked like more than just a backup auditioning for reps. He looked ready.
Bennett’s Preseason Performance Speaks Volumes
While the regular season spotlight has remained firmly on Matthew Stafford - and to a lesser extent, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo - Bennett has quietly made his case. After stepping away from football due to what was described as burnout, Bennett returned rejuvenated and focused. And it showed.
Over the past two preseasons, Bennett has finished second in passing yards - despite playing fewer games than many of his peers. In 2025, he led the Rams to preseason wins over the Cowboys and Chargers, flashing poise, accuracy, and that intangible “it” factor that coaches love to see in young quarterbacks.
He’s also been undefeated in the preseason over the past two years, and it’s not just about the wins. It’s how he’s won.
Come-from-behind drives, clutch throws under pressure, and a command of the offense that goes beyond his years. These aren’t just empty reps - they’re meaningful moments that build trust in a locker room and confidence on the sideline.
Kingsbury and Bennett: A Potential Match
The hiring of Kingsbury isn’t just about shaking up the playbook. It’s a signal.
The Rams are bringing in a coach known for maximizing the talents of quarterbacks who don’t fit the prototypical mold. And if Kingsbury could get the best out of Murray, there’s reason to believe he can do the same with Bennett.
Bennett already brings championship pedigree from his time at Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national titles. That experience, combined with his recent growth and Kingsbury’s quarterback-friendly system, creates a compelling case for Bennett to climb the depth chart.
Is he the heir to Matthew Stafford? That remains to be seen. But the Rams are clearly setting the stage for a transition at some point, and Bennett is doing everything he can to be part of that conversation.
With Stafford still playing at a high level, there’s no immediate pressure to hand over the keys. But if Bennett continues trending upward - and Kingsbury helps unlock another level - the Rams might already have their quarterback of the future in the building.
For now, Bennett’s job is simple: keep stacking good days, keep learning, and keep showing that he belongs. And with Kingsbury now in his corner, the path to relevance just got a whole lot clearer.