Sean McVay speaking Tutu Atwell breakout year into existence will fire up Rams fans

When Los Angeles Rams think of Tutu Atwell, the word underwhelming probably comes to mind. The Rams spent a second-round pick on Atwell in the 2021 NFL Draft and since then, the Louisville product has gone on to record just 99 catches for 1,343 yards and four trips into the end zone.

In other words, Atwell has not lived up to his second-round draft potential. That's what made it surprising when the Rams opted to re-sign the former round two pick, as Atwell inked a one-year deal with the team over the offseason.

Rams head coach Sean McVay put the blame on himself for Atwell's lackluster stats so far and vowed to utilize him better during the 2025 season.

“When you look at the times when he’s been able to play, whether that be because some people were out or not, he has produced and he’s delivered, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of that ascension,” McVay said. “He’s going to be on the field a lot more, particularly in a lot of those three-receiver sets where, when he’s been on the field, he’s done a really good job. And like I said, if you project that over the course of 17 games, and hopefully you’re in the right to play afterwards, I think that’s going to be something that’s well worth the investment we made in him.”

Sean McVay is determined to utilize Tutu Atwell more in 2025

Atwell might not have found the end zone in 2024 but he had a career-high in receptions (42) and receiving yards (562). Both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua missed time in 2024, paving the way for Atwell to see the field more and when he was out there during that time, he made it count.

Hopefully, re-signing Atwell pays off and he goes on to have another career year. He's in a contract year and that will hopefully motivate him to ball out as well.

The Rams still have Nacua but lost Cooper Kupp to the Seahawks. They did, however, bring in Davante Adams to fill Kupp's void so Atwell still has two strong receivers ahead of him on the depth chart. Let's hope McVay meant what he said and finds way to get the best out of Atwell.