2021 NFL Draft Profile: Tutu Atwell

Teams are always looking to add more weapons to their passing game and there is no lack of options at the wide receiver position in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft, including Tutu Atwell. Here's a look at what teams like and have some concerns about when it comes to taking a chance on the Louisville speedster.

(This profile is one of 230 featured in the Athlon Sports 2021 NFL Draft Guide. With in-depth scouting reports on the top prospects, position rankings, and more, no source will have you better prepared for draft day. Click here to get your copy.)

Tutu Atwell Draft Profile

College: Louisville
Class: Sr.
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 170

Strong Points

Louisville often put Atwell, a diminutive speedster, in a position to blow past defenders and take the top off a defense. He’d often align off the line of scrimmage in order to get a free release, and he simply flew by DBs, getting behind them by multiple steps downfield. He tracks the ball well and is tough to overthrow. He has the stop-start ability to work underneath and is slippery in space when he gets the ball early in the down. He showed elusiveness in a handful of punt return opportunities as well.

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Weak Points

There are limitations due to his size, as Atwell needs a free release off the line of scrimmage and will likely be limited to playing from the slot. Issues show up when he has to fight for the ball at the catch point, where he’s easily muscled off the ball. He doesn’t have the frame to add much bulk.

Summary

It’s an easy comp to Marquise Brown, a first-rounder in 2018. Atwell has game-changing speed and will deliver some big plays, but he’ll have to be used in very specific ways.

Final Grade: 2nd/3rd round

(Top photo by Jermaine Bibb/Louisville Athletics, courtesy of gocards.com)