Rams' Sean McVay shares what 'stands out' about rookie Stetson Bennett

The Los Angeles Rams are happy to have a healthy Matthew Stafford practicing this spring but also sound excited about Stafford's potential future replacement. 

As noted by Chase Darden of Yahoo Sports, Rams head coach Sean McVay shared high praise for rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett during mandatory minicamp. 

"I've been really pleased with him," McVay said about the former Georgia Bulldogs starter and 2023 fourth-round draft pick. "The one thing that stands out is when the ball is in Stetson's hands, the game makes sense to him. He's got a good feel for being able to get through progressions quickly. He can feel space on the back end as it relates to different coverage counters that he's seen, but he feels open areas and gets through things quickly. I love the athleticism but there's a lot of work to be done. He stays nice and steady, doesn't get too high or low, and he's fun to be around."

Stafford is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2022 season that was followed by rumors suggesting the 35-year-old could retire rather than return for the upcoming campaign. The JoeBucsFan website reported Thursday that the Rams "would have been happy to have" Baker Mayfield return to serve as Stafford's main backup before Mayfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March and before Los Angeles took a flier on Bennett. 

Bennett is now competing with the likes of Brett Rypien and Dresser Winn to possibly become the Rams' QB2.

"He's done a great job," Stafford said about Bennett. "Though it's a lot for a young guy to process and a lot to learn he's done a great job. He's got great athleticism, throws the ball well, and does a lot of things really well. I'm happy for him."

Bennett should only see the field this fall for meaningful action if disaster strikes the Rams as it did throughout the 2022 campaign. The 25-year-old will likely take plenty of snaps during preseason action, however, including when the Rams open that portion of the calendar against the Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 12.