Tutu Atwell has been a polarizing player for the Los Angeles Rams in the last four years. His numbers have been somewhat disappointing for a player who was drafted in the second round but fans are still confident he can be a valuable contributor if given the chance.
Heading into 2025 and fresh off signing a fully guaranteed contract, Atwell is poised to have his best year yet. It’s why he cracked our list of the Rams’ 25 most important players for 2025, coming in at No. 18.
How he got here
The Rams originally drafted Atwell with the 57th overall pick in the 2021 draft, which was a controversial selection at the time. Atwell was an undersized receiver prospect and the Rams were already flush with talent at wideout, making this seem like a luxury pick.
After his rookie deal expired this offseason, the Rams signed Atwell to a one-year, $10 million contract to keep him in L.A. for another season.
2024 stats
17 games (5 starts): 62 targets, 42 receptions, 562 yards, 0 touchdowns
Projected role
Atwell is in a prime position to have a breakout season with the Rams. He’s tentatively slated to be their No. 3 receiver, which comes with significant playing time in an offense that uses 11 personnel as frequently as Sean McVay’s does.
Atwell has shown in the last two years that he can be more than just a deep threat. Sure, speed is his best attribute but he can do more than just run fast straight downfield. He uses that speed to create separation on comeback routes, deep ins and out-breaking routes, giving Matthew Stafford some easy throws to make.
This season, he’s projected to have a bigger role on offense as the No. 3 option behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Why he’s important
Every offense needs a wideout with top-end speed and Atwell certainly has that. When he’s on the field, he forces the defense to pay closer attention to where he is, likely drawing extra coverage over the top from a safety to prevent deep passes.
Atwell set a career-high with 562 yards despite playing a 39% snap share, his lowest since 2021. That’s impressive efficiency, and it doesn’t even include the 62 yards he accounted for on the two pass interference penalties he drew.
In the right role, Atwell can rack up a large number of yards on a lower reception total with his big-play ability. That’s something the Rams were lacking last season but given Atwell’s contract, it seems McVay is committed to involving him more.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ 25 most important players for 2025 – No. 18: WR Tutu Atwell
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
