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.
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
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.
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.
