Los Angeles Rams Rookie Turning Up The Heat On $10 Mill. Pass Catcher With Head Turning OTAs

   

The Los Angeles Rams may have waited until the seventh round to draft Konata Mumpfield, but the former Pitt wide receiver isn’t waiting his turn. Just weeks into the team’s offseason program, Mumpfield is emerging as one of the more intriguing revelations of 2025 OTAs—so much so that he’s already putting pressure on veteran wideout Tutu Atwell for a place in the Rams’ receiving hierarchy.

Los Angeles Rams Rookie Turning Up The Heat On $10 Mill. Pass Catcher With Head  Turning OTAs - LAFB Network

Despite being the final pick of L.A.’s 2025 draft class, Mumpfield has made a loud early statement. His polished route-running and ball skills have not gone unnoticed by teammates, coaches, or media in attendance. In the words of Sports Illustrated, he’s been “snatching balls out of the sky” and “absolutely brilliant” in early practices. That kind of praise is rare for a late Day 3 pick—and even more so in a crowded receiver room.

Mumpfield’s college production was uneven over three years at Pittsburgh, and his 4.59 40-yard dash at the Combine raised questions about his top-end speed. But the tape tells a different story during live reps: Mumpfield is fluid, instinctive, and winning battles with timing and technique. He’s proving that while his athleticism score may not pop in a spreadsheet, his skillset fits well within Sean McVay’s offense.

Los Angeles Rams Rookie Konata Mumpfield Turning Heads—and Turning Up the Heat on Tutu Atwell


Los Angeles Rams Rookie Turning Up The Heat On $10 Mill. Pass Catcher With Head Turning OTAs 1 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

And that could spell trouble for Atwell.

The Rams are paying Tutu Atwell $10 million this season, signaling a public commitment to finally unleashing his speed and dynamic potential. But money doesn’t catch passes, and Atwell has struggled to earn consistent targets in a system that historically favors trust and versatility. Enter Mumpfield—a player who offers similar separation quickness, more refined route detail, and growing chemistry with both Matthew Stafford and backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

 

After parting ways with Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson this offseason, the Rams have a glaring need for a true WR3 behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz called out the lack of depth behind that duo, noting Atwell’s modest 42-catch, 562-yard campaign in 2024 as respectable but uninspiring. The Rams clearly need a reliable third target—especially with defenses likely to key in on Adams and Nacua.


Los Angeles Rams Rookie Turning Up The Heat On $10 Mill. Pass Catcher With Head Turning OTAs 2 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Atwell, a former second-round pick, is entering his fifth year still seeking a breakthrough. He’s shown flashes, but never fully emerged. Whether due to inconsistent usage or physical limitations, his role has remained situational. Mumpfield, meanwhile, is surging—and fast. His knack for contested catches and understanding of leverage has drawn comparisons to players with far more NFL experience.

The battle is far from over, but if early OTAs are any indication, Mumpfield isn’t just here to develop—he’s here to compete. And Atwell, despite the contract, may need to prove all over again that he deserves his snaps.

For now, Sean McVay’s offense is still a puzzle in progress. With the addition of tight end Terrance Ferguson, more two-TE sets could reduce the need for a traditional third wideout. But if McVay chooses to keep three receivers on the field, the rookie from Pitt is making it awfully difficult to ignore him.

And if this trajectory continues into training camp, the $10 million bet on Atwell might start to feel a little uneasy.

My Linh -
The Latest

Bears QB Tyson Bagent Has Blunt Message on Competing With Case Keenum

Uncategory -7 giờ

Tyson Bagent took the podium on the third day of minicamp, and per usual, the Chicago Bears quarterback displayed the same type of pluck and personality fans have come to expect and admire. The Bears QBs room has become a focal point of discussion ...

Cowboys 'Fizzled-Out' Veteran Tipped To Have Make-Or-Break Season

Uncategory -7 giờ

The Dallas Cowboys' offseason has seen over 10 fresh faces walk through the doors of The Star, and one of them was running back Javonte Williams. A four-year starter of the Denver Broncos, after a rookie season that saw him post 903 ...

Browns QB Deshaun Watson Gives Strong Update on Return

Uncategory -7 giờ

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is making the most of his time away from the field as he prepares for a comeback. Watson has been grinding through rehab after suffering a torn Achilles last season, an injury he initially sustained in October before aggravating it in ...

Lions Trade Proposal Adds 6-Foot-5 Potential Frank Ragnow Replacement

Uncategory -7 giờ

The Detroit Lions are facing a ton of questions following the unexpected retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow. While the Lions have signed veteran Trystan Colon and drafted interior lineman Tate Ratledge, neither has the proven experience or immediate readiness to fill Ragnow’s shoes. Beaux Limmer, currently ...

Former Broncos Leading Rusher Might Not Make Cut in NFC East

Sport -7 giờ

For Denver Broncos fans, this might end up being a big time case of “I told you so” when it comes to former running back Javonte Williams. After the Broncos didn’t lift a finger to bring back Williams in free agency ...