The Los Angeles Rams already boasted some serious firepower in their receiving corps leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft. Regardless, that did not prevent them from adding a few new pieces to the mix in the form of Tutu Atwell, Jacob Harris and Ben Skowronek.
Atwell provides the passing game with a potential deep threat thanks to his game-breaking speed. Harris is a tight end/wide receiver hybrid that could make an immediate impact on special teams.
Meanwhile, Skowronek showed good hands as well as an affinity for downfield blocking going into the draft. This is a trait that makes him similar to wide receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp in their own right.
Skowronek feels his tenacious approach to blocking paired with his football IQ are some of his biggest strong suits.
“Tough, physical and reliable. I love to get in there blocking. That’s my favorite thing to do on the football field is hitting people. Maybe I play the wrong position at receiver, but that’s what I love to do. I think I have some of the best hands coming out in this year’s draft. Strong hands, I catch everything and I’m also a high IQ player. I love the game of football. I study the game of football. I’ve been around the game of football growing up. So, I feel like I’m savvy in that way and just a high IQ type guy.”
Skowronek revealed that blocking was actually one of the main points of emphasis in his talks with receivers coach Eric Yarber.
“I just got off the phone with the receiver coach (Wide Receivers Coach Eric Yarber) and that’s what we talked about a little bit. So, I can’t wait, I can’t wait to hit somebody. It’s been a while.”
The rookie will first need to find a way to make the final 53-man roster if he hopes to make an impact. Fortunately, he feels his versatility will help pay some dividends.
“Yeah. I’m not sure what my role is going to be with the Rams, but I’m going to come in and compete and do whatever (Head) Coach (Sean) McVay asks me to do. Obviously, I don’t even know if I describe myself as a receiver. I did a lot of things at Notre Dame where I inserted and was blocking linebackers. I’ll play anything. At Northwestern, my senior year I had played some tight end in some packages, so anything the coaches ask me to do, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and I just want to win football games. So, I’m excited to be on the Rams and I can’t wait to get started.”
Skowronek spent his first four seasons at Northwestern where he recorded 1,206 and eight touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons combined. His senior year was cut short due to a leg injury and he ultimately opted to transfer to Notre Dame.
Skowronek finished last season with 29 catches for 439 yards and five touchdowns. While it remains to be seen if his blocking prowess will be enough to stick around in L.A.it is an opportunity for him to find his footing at the next level.
