Just four years later, Atwell is only member left from his class
In 2021, the Los Angeles Rams began their run on what would result in a 23-20 Super Bowl 56 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals; bringing a second Lombardi Trophy to the franchise. Prior to the season, LA entered the 2021 draft without a first round pick since it had traded its 2020 and 2021 first rounders to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their first selection was in Round 2, Pick 57 overall. The organization selected Tutu Atwell, a wide receiver, from Louisville University.
Since the selection, fans have expressed their frustration with the pick. Due to the performance and capabilities of Creed Humphrey, Rams fans groan; knowing the team could have struck gold with a center that has provided near flawless protection for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs over the past five seasons.
Creed Humphrey may very well be the better player when you weigh their careers in the end respective to their position. Regardless, Los Angeles missed on the remainder of their selections in the 2021 draft as Tutu Atwell is the only Ram remaining from his draft class.
2021 Rams Draft Class
- Rd 2, Pick 57 – Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
Re-signed in March 2025 with Los Angeles Rams on 1 year $10 million deal
- Rd 3, Pick 103 – Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina
Traded in August 2024 by Los Angeles Rams to Tennessee Titans for a 2026 5th rounder
- Rd 4, Pick 117 – Bobby Brown, DL, Texas A&M
Completed four year contract with Los Angeles. Signed in March 2025 as unrestricted free agent with the Carolina Panthers for 3 years $21 million.
- Rd 4, Pick 130 – Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas
Released by Los Angeles Rams in August 2023
- Rd 4, Pick 141 – Jacob Harris, WR/TE, Central Florida
Released by Los Angeles Rams in August 2022
- Rd 5, Pick 174 – Earnest Brown IV, DE, Northwestern
Released by Los Angeles Rams in January 2024
- Rd 7, Pick 233 – Jake Funk, RB, Maryland
Released by Los Angeles Rams in October 2022
- Rd 7, Pick 249 – Ben Skowronek, WR, Notre Dame
Traded in May 2024 by Los Angeles Rams to Houston Texans for a 2025 6th rounder
- Rd 7, Pick 252 – Chris Garrett, DE/EDGE, Concordia St. Paul (MN)
Releasd by Los Angeles Rams in August 2022
The Rams are not ready to give up entirely on the 2021 draft class. Tutu Atwell’s signing came as a surprise to many because of his limited usage in 2023 & 2024. However, Sean McVay [per NFL.com] has expressed the goal to use his unparalleled speed more often…
“I think when you look at his body of work, when he’s been able to play, especially in some of the times that he was playing (like) when Cooper was on IR, there was a lot of production,” McVay said recently, via the team website. “And if you project that over the course of 17 games, you just watch what he was able to do. He’s matured as a young man. I love the person, getting to know him, and I think that he’s only getting better.”
Tutu is still just 25 years old; entering his fifth season. He has lasted longer than his counterparts. But time is ticking for the speedster to break out for this Rams franchise. Securing the WR3 role is a must. I believe 800 yards is the low mark for what he must meet in order to justify his 1 year deal.
*Sidenote: I will keep in mind that Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will dominate the target share and that Tutu’s speed will create those two players opportunities in the intermediate game. That type of impact will not show up in the box score.
Again, the NFL will find ways to replace you quickly. Just look at Cooper Kupp’s dominance in the 2021 season and by the 2024 season the offense was running through Puka Nacua (a second year player). Atwell’s one year deal admits that the LA Rams may have misused him but it also means they want Tutu to “prove it”…