TuTu Atwell drafted 57th overall by LA Rams

Louisville wide receiver TuTu Atwell was taken by the Los Angeles Rams with the 57th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft on Friday night.

Atwell is the eighth U of L wide receiver in school history to hear his name called during the draft, and the first since DeVante Parker was a first-round selection in 2015. He likely won’t be the last in 2021, with Dez Fitzpatrick seeming like a safe bet to be selected.

As a sophomore in 2019, Atwell put together one of the most sensational individual seasons in U of L history. He set a new school record for receiving yards with 1,276, and tied the school record for receiving touchdowns with 12. He led the ACC in both of those categories, as well as in receiving yards per game (98.2). Those numbers earned him First Team All-American status from Pro Football Focus.

Playing in 10 games as a junior in 2020, Atwell led Louisville in receptions (47) and touchdown catches (7), and ranked second in receiving yards (625). He also added one rushing touchdown to his total.

He declared himself eligible before the final game of the season, opting to not play in Louisville’s regular season finale against Wake

Congrats to one of the most exciting Cardinal football players in recent memory on making his professional dreams come true.