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JimYoungblood53
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The_Zone
Atwell needs to add 30-35 pounds of good weight first. you just can't play in this league at 145. it's virtually impossible unless he can run a sub 4.2 with pads on, But I didn't even see his actual speed last season. He seems to have some good hands, and his courage is there. but his body just can't stand up and I saw him take a few ok hits last year and it looked like he stepped on a landmine, he just is not big enough weight/muscle wise to play in this league. and if he adds 35 pounds of muscle will he still have the same speed?
yes, they made a mistake, but the key now is if he can be salvaged. He does not weight 149 anymore, he's 165, and that is small, but not disqualifying.
And extra muscle does not lose speed... fat makes one slower.
But the point is..can he be salvaged?
I don't know. But he has zero trade value but he's not some 145-pound kid anymore, either.
He can get stronger and he can learn...will he? I have zero idea.
As I already said he might get cut, but he's got camp and preseason to prove he can fill a role. That role, as I see it, is to take the top off the defense guy. He does not even have to get targeted that much . . .
but as the last WR on the roster, that WOULD be his role if he fulfills all the "ifs"--
the "ifs" are if he gets stronger and smarter...No one knows the answer to those questions.
You said a lot right there, what is his role, I think the Rams were hoping his role last year would have been returner and spot duty as backup to Jackson, However I also don't think they realized just how slight of a build he truly had. I remember reading that he had lost about 12-15 pounds between the last time anyone saw him and training camp.
In any event, He does need to prove something in this upcoming season/preseason. IF we can put a WR corps of Kupp, Robinson, OBJ, and Jefferson out there then he can still earn a role. but I doubt he beats out any of those guys and add to the WR room is Powell, and I doubt Atwell can supplant him in the returner role.
I am hoping he proves me and other doubters wrong, he has the ability, he just needs the durability and IF he has truly added 20-25 pounds as you state then he is on his way, but even at 165 that's still slight.
