With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft: Tutu Atwell needs more than dynamics to his game

By Cory Kinnan

Oct 5, 2019; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Tutu Atwell (1) avoids the tackle of Boston College Eagles defensive end Marcus Valdez (97) during the second quarter of play at Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Tutu Atwell (1) avoids the tackle of Boston College Eagles defensive end Marcus Valdez (97) during the second quarter of play at Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft prospect Tutu Atwell
2021 NFL Draft prospect Tutu Atwell. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

Tutu Atwell brings is a tantalizing playmaker, but where can he improve?

The 2020 NFL Draft featured an extravagant wide receiver class, but the 2021 NFL Draft‘s may be even better and deeper. While names like Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle, LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase, Purdue’s Rondale Moore, and Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman lead the class, there are names a little further down who demand attention; Tutu Atwell of Louisville is one of those names.

Listed at only 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Atwell is a small dude with big time playmaking ability. However, with the 2021 NFL Draft more than likely on the horizon for him, there are elements of his game that need refinement and worked at. In this scouting report on Atwell, we will look at the strengths of his game, where he must improve, and what his potential outlook is.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network’s scouting report is a great way to introduce you to Atwell before we break him down a bit further:

More from With the First Pick

"“Louisville featured him as a vertical receiver but also in jet motion with opportunities to create in space for himself. Elusive, twitchy, fluid and sudden. Destroys pursuit angles when he gets chances to operate on the perimeter. While he has limitations, his dynamic speed to get vertical and add a creative layer to the offense is valuable. Willing to compete and and doesn’t just back down from contact because of his size.”"

Looking at Atwell’s box score

Atwell is coming off of a season with over 1,200 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns for the Cardinals as a true Sophomore. Catching nearly 70 passes, Atwell averaged a massive 18 yards per carry. In limited action as a Freshman in 2018, Atwell racked up over 400 yards and two touchdowns on 24 catches.

Thus far in three games for the Cardinals in his Junior season, Atwell has already racked up 229 yards receiving and three touchdowns on 19 catches. Despite these numbers, however, Atwell has some refining to do before the 2021 NFL Draft if he wants to hear his name called in the top-50 come April.

We take a look at his strengths from his tape next.

Home/Wide Receiver Prospects