Yes, Rams WR Tutu Atwell can be that guy to get explosion back in offense

When the Los Angeles Rams selected Louisville wide receiver rookie prospect Tutu Atwell with the 57th overall pick in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, Rams fans were acutely aware that IOL Creed Humphrey remained on the draft board. That scenario created a huge conflict between fans and the front office. Rams fans wanted to shore up the offensive line. The Rams wanted to add an explosive offensive weapon to the offense. The team won, but some fans have never forgotten.

While fans had their hearts set on seeing Humphrey anchor the center position of the offensive line, the Rams' addition of Atwell could have made fans content with their decision. If they had used him, that is. Atwell arrived as a natural padawan to Jedi Master WR DeSean Jackson. But Jackson wanted a larger role, which led to his mid-season release. And that left Atwell on the bench.

The problem with Tutu Atwell was never the problem with Tutu Atwell. When he played, he made plays. In the tradition of all NFL rookies, he simply needed opportunities to gain experience and experience to improve. But he was never targeted in 2021. He has never been targeted more than 67 times in any single season. And his 164 targets after four years playing with the Rams are fewer than the 191 targets thrown to Cooper Kupp in 2021 alone.

So it must be something about Tutu Atwell, right?

Well, not exactly. You see, despite seeing only a few targets, Tutu Atwell is getting open. He was the second-best receiver at getting open in 2024, getting free 63.93 percent of the time. By comparison, Cooper Kupp was open just 47.06 percent of the time.

And it's that ability to separate that may have prompted the Rams to extend Atwell for one more season:

Fantasy Football has created a new wave of football afficionados among fans. But the rules os Fantasy Football highlights playmakers, not decoys or blockers. So the lack of targets to Tutu Atwell in his four-season NFL career has led to an undervaluing and underappreciation for his skills.

Atwell is overdue for a larger role in the offense

In 164 career targets, Atwell hauled in 99 passes for 1,343 yards and four touchdowns. While that falls short of Kupp's sensational 2021 NFL season, Atwell has been improving in all areas each season. He caught 67.7 percent of passes thrown his way in 2024, a new career high. And he put up 562 receiving yards, another high-water mark.

The Rams are no longer composed of multiple receivers with similar skillsets. In Puka Nacua, the Rams boast a 6-foot-2, 212-pound physical receiver who is masterful at contested catches. In Davante Adams, the Rams boast a 6-foot-1, 215-pound foxy veteran who is a Grand Master at the chess strategy of football. And in Tutu Atwell, the Rams boast a 5-foot-9, 165-pound bolt of lightning.

Which receivers will opposing secondaries choose to double up? Each of the three Rams projected starting receivers can defeat zone or single-man coverage. So, opposing defensive coordinators will be forced to make perilous choices.

We have pointed out before how pivoting to an offense with more 12-personnel usage is perfectly suited for a larger role for Tutu Atwell. With two tight ends, opposing defenses will be tempted to counter with eight defenders in the box. When that happens, who better to cut loose than speedy Tutu Atwell? And if Atwell draws double coverage, then the Rams can target a tight end or other wide receiver.

Or even run the football.

The Rams have an opportunity to use different tempos to throw defenses off balance this season, and Tutu Atwell is merely one player who is ideally suited to leverage tempo during the game.

Of course, we have heard this before. Tutu Atwell's career has been a series of disappointing commitments that seem to fall short on game day. But 2025 feels different. Tutu Atwell is no longer the only speedster on the Rams roster. He is simply the most experienced speedster on the team.

As always, thanks for reading.

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