Unless Tutu Atwell develops into an All-Pro wide receiver, he’ll likely always live in infamy among Los Angeles Rams fans because he was picked over Creed Humphrey in the 2021 NFL draft. Ahead of his third year with the Rams, Atwell figures to have a chance to earn a role in the offense during training camp, which could make him worth talking about in deeper fantasy football leagues.
The former second-round pick failed to record any stats in his rookie year in 2021, but he tallied 18 receptions, 298 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown last season. He also had nine rushing attempts, which he turned into 34 yards and another touchdown.
Even with his increase in production in 2022, Atwell finished as WR102 in half-PPR (points per reception) leagues. Entering training camp, the former second-round pick holds an ADP (average draft position) of 294 and is the 111th-ranked wide receiver in fantasy drafts, according to FantasyPros.
Following the trade of Allen Robinson this offseason, the Rams will lean on Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson to lead the charge at wide receiver. Behind those two guys, there will be a competition between Atwell, Puka Nacua, Ben Skowronek, and Demarcus Robinson for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart. Tyler Johnson could also factor into the mix.
With Atwell being undersized at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, it’s tough for him to have an every-down role for the Rams. In all likeliness, Atwell could contribute on special teams and could get snaps on offense to give the Rams a vertical threat out of the slot on obvious passing downs.
There’s also a chance the Rams continue to manufacture touches for Atwell by giving him jet sweeps and quick passes to allow him to create in space. It’s hard to predict Atwell winning the No. 3 spot full-time due to the buzz surrounding Nacua and Skowronek’s versatility in the run game.
Atwell is going undrafted in most redraft leagues and it’s understandable due to the lack of targets and touches he’ll likely receive with Kupp and Jefferson being healthy. The only leagues worth taking a flier on Atwell in are best-ball leagues where you can get him in the final round and potentially stack him with Matthew Stafford to differentiate from the field.
