Rookie WR Tutu Atwell: Rams' New Vertical Threat?

Tutu Atwell might have a limited but vital role for the Rams' offense in 2021.

As far as hurdles go in the NFL, a rookie's first preseason is the biggest test. Tutu Atwell's first game with the Los Angeles Rams suggests what his potential could be as he cleared that hurdle.

The speedy wide receiver from Louisville made the most of his time on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. 

The Rams wanted speed this offseason at wide receiver. Atwell showed why he could be the new vertical option for years to come. 

"It was a good experience," Atwell said after the Rams' 13-6 preseason loss. "First NFL game, got my feet wet. I just had a blast out there." 

READ MORE: Rams Shut Down By Chargers 13-6 In Preseason Opener

"Blast'' is a great word to define what Atwell can be in Los Angeles. He finished with two catches for 21 yards, but the "blast" came on a 20-yard catch from quarterback Devlin Hodges in the second quarter. 

Game speed like that matters - on special teams, too. During a punt return, Atwell juked his way ahead for a 20-yard gain, only to watch it be called back due to a holding call. 

Maybe the referees need the preseason as well. According to Atwell, he didn't see a hold anywhere. 

"I don't think it was a flag, it was a good block to me," Atwell joked after the game. "My teammate did their job — we had the wall right and I just got and see it and hit the hole." 

Atwell said the game slowed down after the first play once the jitters were out of the way. That 4.32 40-time speed played just as advertised.

The biggest concern with Atwell will be his size. When drafted in the second round, he came out of Louisville weighing 155 pounds. According to the Rams' official website, he's gained another 10 pounds since the start of camp. 

READ MORE: Chargers 13, Rams 6: Top 5 Observations

Going across the middle with 240 pound linebackers can be scary. But they have to catch him first - which they did on one play.

“Those things were encouraging, to be able to get him a couple of touches early,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. "I thought he did a good job popping up, because that was quite a hit that he took on his first catch."

“You can see the explosive playmaker that has us excited about his potential.”

Atwell is fighting likely for the No. 5 wide receiver spot entering the year with Trishton Jackson. Names like Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, DeSean Jackson and Van Jefferson should get the first crack of working with new quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

None of them played Saturday. 

Meanwhile, Atwell showed just the kind of game-changing speed that the Rams were looking for.

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