Speed has always been a prized commodity in the NFL, and for the Los Angeles Rams, it’s a daily topic of debate. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has staked his claim as the team’s fastest player, but wide receiver Tutu Atwell has long been celebrated for elite top-end speed. The discussion between the two has become a friendly rivalry in Rams’ meetings and practice fields.
“Are you the fastest Ram? I am, and me and Tutu argue about this every single day, but I believe I’ll get him,” Forbes said in a recent interview with JB Long. When asked why he feels so confident, Forbes pointed to the numbers: “Just our speeds and numbers that we run outside. Even in the screen stuff, they think I will get Tutu because they think he’s just going to get me from the start, and that’s not going to happen, honestly.”
Rams Debate Who Is The Fastest
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The numbers back up the rivalry. Atwell, a former second-round pick, has reached a top speed of 21.68 mph on a 62-yard touchdown reception from Matthew Stafford this season, marking the third time he’s hit 21+ mph as a ball carrier. He is the only Rams player to reach 21+ mph in the past four seasons and ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at his college pro day. Forbes isn’t far behind, posting a 4.35-second 40-yard dash.
On the defensive side, the Rams have put their trust in Forbes. Last Sunday, he started and played 50 of the team’s 63 defensive snaps, a vote of confidence from head coach Sean McVay and the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has praised Forbes’ growing physicality and effort.
“That’s been the most pleasant surprise,” Shula said. “He was throwing his body around in the last game of the year in Seattle. You could tell he made a conscious effort to put weight on, get stronger, and be physical. Since OTAs and in camp, he’s been thudding up the ball carrier, running his feet, wrapping. He’s gotten better and better because he’s made a conscious effort.”
Forbes’ work ethic has allowed the Rams to deploy a three-cornerback system, giving him opportunities to showcase his speed and coverage ability. Stafford has noticed Forbes’ development as well, highlighting his urgency, physicality, and versatility as a young cornerback capable of making an impact in multiple roles.
Tutu’s Speed Is Undeniable, But Is It Practical In The McVay Offense?
Meanwhile, Atwell’s speed remains undeniable, though it has yet to translate into significant production this season. The Rams have used him on just 42.1 percent of offensive snaps through two weeks, down from 62 percent in 2023 and slightly above 39 percent last season. He has one reception for four yards and has been targeted only twice. Offensive coordinator adjustments, including more 12 personnel sets, have limited Atwell’s opportunities, and Stafford’s lightning-fast release—averaging 2.45 seconds—has reduced the time available for deep-developing routes where Atwell thrives.
Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged Atwell’s talent but admitted the team hasn’t fully leveraged him yet. “I think when you look at his body of work, when he’s been able to play… he has produced,” McVay said in April. “We’re looking forward to seeing more of that ascension. He’s going to be on the field a lot more, particularly in a lot of those three-receiver sets.”
The Rams’ speed debate is more than just fun locker room banter. It represents the ongoing balancing act between player potential and how a team chooses to deploy it. Forbes is proving to be a dynamic, physical, and versatile cornerback, while Atwell’s elite speed remains an asset that could reshape the offense if fully utilized.
As the season progresses, the Rams—and fans—will continue to watch these two athletes push each other to the limit. In a league where a fraction of a second can change a game, the title of “fastest Ram” may not only be about pride—it could be the edge that wins critical matchups.
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