18 Aug Preseason Scouting Notes: Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
Junior | 5’9″ 165 lbs | Miami, FL
A speedy slot receiver with dynamic playmaking skills who has to become a more consistent route runner
Overview:
Chatarius Tutu Atwell is a true junior who played primarily at the slot receiver position for the Louisville Cardinal. Playing in Dwayne Ledford’s spread offense, Atwell shined breaking Louisville receiving yards record previously held by Harry Douglas Jr. He earned First-Team All-ACC honors, creating huge plays for Cardinals offense. He will be going into his junior year with plenty of hype and expecting to build on his 2019 season.
Strengths:
– High-class speed. Will run past defenders with ease and destroys pursuit angles
– Great elusiveness in the open field able to make defenders and provide YAC off jet sweeps and screen passes
– Quick release off the line gets into the stem at top-notch speed with great acceleration
– Mental processing to play in the slot with savvy. Understands zone coverages and when to make himself available to the quarterback in vacated zones
– Capable blocker in the run game. Doesn’t shy away from blocks and looks to help open lanes
– Excellent ball tracking skills able to find the football in the air and adjust to make catches on the football
Areas to Improve:
– Isn’t a nuanced route runner. Depends on speed to separate rather than sharp cuts or deception and struggles to separate particularly on intermediate routes
– Not a natural hands catcher. Catches the football with his body rarely using his hands
– Struggles with contested catches and has issues winning the 50/50 ball. Needs separation to create receptions
– Rarely played outside and does not have many reps against press coverage. His ability to release is unknown
– Doesn’t have a prototypical size with a small, slender frame
Injury concerns:
N/A
Projection:
Atwell projects to a slot receiver at the next level who can be a deep threat on post and over routes. Teams will want to create packages to get him the football and because he excels with the football in his hand. He will add depth as a punt and kick returner and help with special teams. He will have to adjust to more press coverage in the NFL after barely being challenged in the ACC. The free releases will not as often be there, and his adjustment is where he can become more than a gadget player in the NFL. Right now, he stands a Day 2 prospect who can come in and help a team on special teams right away.
What to watch for in 2020:
Can Atwell show himself to be a complete receiver? Atwell has every chance to raise his stock and display a new repertoire of route-running ability to impress scouts. With his quarterback and most of the offense returning, the chemistry will be high for the Louisville Cardinal, and Atwell should not disappoint. With the smaller receivers going in the first round over the past few seasons, if Atwell can put together an all-American campaign, he could be in the day one conversation.
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A native of Phoenix, Arizona where he played high school football, receiving All-Region at the Cornerback position.
Marcus played a year of Community College football before turning to music, and now has come back around to football.
He has been a contributor for Cowboys Wire, Pro Football Network, and has recently done work for Raiders Wire.
A Scouting Academy graduate, he had his hands in the 2018 Inside The Pylon Draft Guide, as well scouting offensive lineman.