The Los Angeles Rams have become known for developing some of the game’s best receivers since Sean McVay arrived as head coach in 2017. From Cooper Kupp to Puka Nacua, the Rams’ quarterbacks have never lacked a primary weapon who can win 1-on-1 battles.
So far, Tutu Atwell, the team’s second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has yet to develop into a household name at the pro level. Naturally, the Rams envisioned a much better return on their investment with the 57th overall pick.
However, when Atwell had a chance at becoming a free agent for the first time in his NFL career, he didn’t hesitate to re-sign with the Rams on a one-year, $10 million contract. While Atwell has spent the past four seasons trying to live up to his draft slot, now he’ll have to prove he was worth every penny too.
Related: Los Angeles Rams Eyeing a Hidden Gem? Analyst Makes the Case for Senior Bowl QB
Los Angeles Rams have bigger plans for Tutu Atwell
While Tutu Atwell’s early NFL career hasn’t gotten off to a great start, he could just be getting started. After all, Atwell is still just 25 years old, he has plenty of tread left on his tires.
Recently, when addressing reporters at the NFL’s owner meetings, coach Sean McVay pointed out how Atwell’s production picked up while Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were absent. Coach McVay seems to believe Atwell’s surge is a sign of things to come.
Yet, McVay also wanted to take some of the blame, admitting that he has not “done a good enough job of utilizing” his young speedster receiver either.
“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. 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 on Tutu Atwell
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel
For what it’s worth, Atwell is coming off a career-high 562 receiving yards on 42 receptions. If he can build on that while Matthew Stafford gets used to a new-look receiving corps led by Nacua and new addition Davante Adams, Atwell could very well live up to his new salary.
Related: NFL Execs Offer Skepticism Regarding Los Angeles Rams’ Big Offseason Move