:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50059503/GettyImages-495941868.0.jpg)
However, most of those opinions have been negative. Mohamed Sanu struggled to earn meaningful snaps in 2015, and was known to drop catchable passes in 2014. His contract suggests the Atlanta Falcons like him in a bigger role.
What can he do with a bigger role? Around the NFL's Chris Wesseling has been bullish on Sanu's potential in Atlanta, and tweeted some interesting stats.
When @Mo_12_Sanu was a focal point of Bengals O in 1st half of 2014, he was on pace for 78 catches, 1,336 scrimmage yards, 8 TD at midseason
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) July 8, 2016
While Falcons fans may have flashbacks to Harry Douglas racking up empty yards in 2013 with injuries to Julio Jones and Roddy White. Sanu's numbers look better, with a better YPC and more touchdowns.
Sanu averaged 100 yards over a 5-game 2014 stretch. Won one-on-one matchups, converted 3rd downs, made plays downfield, spun out of tackles.
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) July 8, 2016
The biggest question is if Sanu can translate this to an impressive number two role in a way that Douglas never could.
.@Nate13Burleson made a living as 2nd fiddle to Moss/Megatron: "No doubt in my mind @Mo_12_Sanu is going to be one of the league’s best #2s"
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) July 8, 2016
Nate Burleson has been a big proponent of Sanu as well, and seems very confident that he can play that role. One might wonder why he never turned into that next to AJ Green in Cincinnati, but there is no answer for that in this series of tweets.
Check out this @Mo_12_Sanu performance as a third-down machine vs. Panthers: https://t.co/TccCJzcSJs
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) July 8, 2016
Focal point: https://t.co/eAQTX5N5kZ
The Cincinnati Inquirer's beat reporter really liked Sanu when he was a big part of the Bengals offense.
@ChrisWesseling He was neck and neck with Dalton for our Bengals midseason MVP that year. Carried team through WR injuries.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 8, 2016
@ChrisWesseling Willed them to Baltimore win. Fourth-quarter deep ball adjustment maybe biggest play of that year. https://t.co/bQH3WBqOmB
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 8, 2016
Anyone else getting cautiously optimistic that the Sanu signing won't be as bad as expected.