Tutu Atwell 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5’8
Weight: 155 lbs.
School: University of Louisville
Tutu Atwell 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Overview
The 2020 NFL Entry Draft saw a total of 35 wide receivers drafted, including soon-to-be stars such as CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, and Chase Claypool. The wide receiver position is invaluable to a team’s offense, and gems can be found throughout a draft. The upcoming 2021 NFL Entry Draft contains playmakers who can change a team’s offense for the better through strong hands, speed, and high football IQ. One of these players could be receiver Tutu Atwell Jr. who has been projected in various rounds by different sports outlets.
Born on October 7th, 1999, in Miami, Florida, Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell Jr. is the son of the University of Minnesota star wide receiver Chatarius Atwell Sr. Atwell began his career as a quarterback for four years at Miami Northwestern High School. Considered a dual-threat quarterback, he won the Miami-Dade County Player of the year award. He passed for over 4,000 yards and ran for over 1,500 in his high school career. Atwell was named a three-star recruit and received offers from various schools but eventually decided upon Louisville. This is the same path current NFLer Teddy Bridgewater took, committing to Louisville after attending Northwestern.
After committing to the University of Louisville, Atwell switched from quarterback to wide receiver. During his freshman year in 10 games played, Atwell completed 24 receptions of 406 yards with two touchdowns, which was good for the fourth-best on the team. During his sophomore year in 13 games played, Atwell completed 69 receptions of 1272 yards with 11 touchdowns, which led the Atlantic Coast Conference and broke Harry Douglas’ 2007 record of 1265 yards. He was named to the All-ACC First Team this year. In his junior year in nine games played, Atwell completed 46 receptions of 625 yards with seven touchdowns. He finished the season for the Louisville Cardinals as the leading receiver and was ranked 14th in the ACC in receptions and 16th in yardage. Atwell decided to forego his senior year and enter the draft.
Atwell was named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, the Phil Steele Preseason All American Team, the Sporting News’ Preseason All American Team, and received Pro Football Focus First Team All American Honors. During his pro day at Louisville, Atwell completed a 33-inch verticle jump with a 9’9 broad jump, as well as completed a 40-yard time of 4.32 and an L-drill of 6.87.
Strengths
- Straight line speed and acceleration to separate from defenders;
- Natural athleticism and agility;
- Strong hands with the ability to make difficult catches;
- Not intimidated by the big moments or situations;
- Doesn’t shy away from being physical, showing competitiveness and aggressiveness,
Weaknesses
- Lack of size will lead to problems against bigger, stronger defenders;
- Being physical combined with lack of size is a high injury risk;
- Sometimes Atwell doesn’t choose the best routes to the ball;
- While competitive, he can be overwhelmed easily by multiple defenders;
- After catching the ball, Atwell is predictable in his route running.
Teams With Need At Position: Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals,
Projection: Third Round
Bottom Line on Tutu Atwell
Tutu Atwell is a huge risk, huge reward type of player. With his blazing speed and hands, he could be a star in the NFL. However, his lack of size makes him vulnerable to not only injuries but being out-muscled by defenders during receptions. As a number two option, he could thrive and be used in late-game situations with his game-breaking speed. If Atwell can bulk up a bit more, the sky is the limit.
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