When the Los Angeles Rams used their second-round selection on Tutu Atwell in the 2021 NFL Draft, it came with plenty of fanfare as the former Louisville standout set multiple ACC records during his three college seasons.
With a crowded wide receiver room, Atwell’s biggest impact with the Rams figured to come on special teams. He was given an opportunity to be L.A.’s starting punt returner, but didn’t find much success, and also struggled as the kickoff returner.
Atwell then suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against the Houston Texans in Week 8 that required surgery.
Now healthy again, Atwell is leaving the past in the past and wants to make an impact in his second season with the Rams, per Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“Season got cut short, (but) everything happens for a reason man and God knows what he was doing,” Atwell told theRams.com after Thursday’s organized team activity (OTA) session. “So just gonna go from there.”
As part of his recovery, Atwell has been working out at the Rams’ facility with Cooper Kupp to surround himself with one of the most respected leaders in the locker room.
Atwell also has been working with the Rams’ strength and nutrition team to build muscle and maintain his weight:
“It’s not really about the weight, (it’s) pretty much just where I’m at my best,” Atwell said. “How I’m going to perform better, how I’m going to do what I’m at to make plays, be stronger, take them hits and block them bigger guys. We just working in that phase.”
With Atwell prioritizing his health and making an effort to learn from one of the best wide receivers in Kupp, the 22-year-old clearly is motivated to make strides this season and wants to remind the rest of the league why the Rams selected him with a second-round pick last year.
