5 players from the 2021 NFL draft class that look like busts
By Andrew Falce
2021 NFL Draft potential bust no. 2: Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams
WR. 2. 51. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Los Angeles Rams. Tutu Atwell. player
Arguably the most shocking pick amongst the first two rounds of the draft, most saw Tutu Atwell as a day three option.
While a fun player to watch in college, he was severely undersized and had questions about how he would hold up as a professional player. Those issues came into fruition, as Atwell played just 10 offensive snaps despite being the Rams’ second-round pick.
Atwell did get some work as a return man, but for a second-round pick and the Rams’ first pick of the draft, you ideally want more than that. Can he turn it around this year?
Possibly, but the odds of him seeing a lot of work doesn’t seem great. Atwell can only realistically be used out of the slot and Cooper Kupp primarily plays there. He may see his snaps increase, but it won’t be by a huge margin.
The NFL has seen the size requirements for receivers shrink over the past few years. One just has to look at Tyreek Hill as an example of that. Despite being undersized, he has excelled as a receiver.
Atwell doesn’t have that game-breaking speed though, and as a result, he can’t be counted on for much outside of being a return man. For a second-round pick, that is less than ideal.