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Falcons eyeing LB Travathan and WR Sanu


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Mohamed Sanu, Travis Benjamin best receiver options for Falcons

  • Vaughn McClure  ESPN Staff Writer

As the Atlanta Falcons approach the start of free agency (March 9), two wide receivers in particular are likely to be at the forefront of their thoughts: Mohamed Sanu and Travis Benjamin.

They were both part of the free-agent chatter at the combine involving the Falcons. Neither player is expected to re-sign with his own team, with Sanu set to leave Cincinnati and Benjamin probably counting the days to break free of the mess in Cleveland. The Falcons sorely need a No. 2 receiver capable of establishing separation from defenders, particularly with the added attention top target Julio Jones receives on a weekly basis.

So which of two would fit the Falcons best? Well, there is history with Benjamin and Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who held the same role with the Browns in 2014. Shanahan understands how much of an asset speed is for Benjamin, who ran a 4.36 in 40 coming out of Miami (FL) to go with a 38-inch vertical.

One would think Cleveland would push hard to keep Benjamin coming off a season during which he caught a career-high 68 passes for 966 yards -- including 313 yards after the catch -- and five touchdowns. Browns quarterback Josh McCown certainly understands how much value the 5-foot-10-inch, 175-pound Benjamin possesses.

"He has elite speed, that's first and foremost," McCown said of Benjamin. "He catches the ball really well. Having worked alongside of him for a year, what you see is just the kind of pro he is. He's a pro's pro. He's got a great work ethic. He's just not somebody you have to worry about. Whatever you ask him to do, he's going to do it, and do it as hard as he can. He's a good guy to have on your team, that's for sure.

"I can remember one time he caught a drag route across the middle ... it wasn't like a big play or anything. It was a play he probably should have been tackled for like a yard or two. The guy was right there. But he turned the corner, used his speed burst, and he got like eight yards. Plays like that stick out to you the most, because there's a number of plays like that where he separated from people after the catch."

The 6-2, 210-pound Sanu caught 33 passes for 394 yards last season and also ran the ball 10 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns. A former triple-option quarterback in high school, Sanu has thrown two touchdown passes on five career completions in four seasons with the Bengals.

Here is one NFL personnel guy’s take on Sanu:

"He’s tough. He’s got size. He’s versatile. He can go across the middle. He can catch with his hands. He can do reverses. He does a lot. He’s not as totally polished. I don’t know if he’s a No. 2. He might be more of a No. 3. But he’s a good player."

Benjamin might have a little more value because of his return ability, and the Falcons are looking for a No. 2 receiver who can return kicks, with the status of NFL all-time leading return man Devin Hester in limbo coming off toe surgery. Last season, Benjamin averaged 11.6 yards per punt return and had a 78-yard touchdown return.

We’ll see how much money the Falcons are willing to pay for a complementary receiver. As of right now, the Falcons looked poised to enter free agency with about $27 million in cap space, a figure that could increase if more veterans are released or restructured.

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1 hour ago, andrews31cain21 said:

I read where a columnist called Sanu a slower version of Hankerson.  I would rather have Benji

Don't see how a receiver running reverses could be slow, I mean Benji ran a 4.36? So yes Sanu is slower than him. 

 

Buy I'd take the option qb and a trick play or two, plus the height. We have hardy we don't need another small receiver. 

 

He could return though but I'd still take the height

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Ok so the Falcons are staying away from the deep end of the pool again hopefully we can nab some good mid-tier guys that help the cause and pretty much my Mario go get was a bit of a wish because the Falcons don't swim at that end of the pool in FA.

PS Benjamin > Sanu. 

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6 hours ago, g-dawg said:

Hope Falcons understand  the cost of doing business  for Trevathan starts at 4yrs and $32mm and will go up from there.  Don't  get your fanbase all excited  if you are not serious.

Hope we get Trevathan!

Sanu?  meh...

Matt Ryan should be restructuring if needed to help the Falcons sign ANY free agent they need.

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46 minutes ago, Dirtybird56 said:

Can't see us signing Trevathan. Sanu would be solid, he's got good height and decent speed. Lota ppl don't like his tape but I think he could do well with in this offense. Will be interesting to see who we go after harder between Sanu and Benjamin 

I think the drops scare a lot off when it comes to Sanu and what's attractive about Sanu scares a lot off about Benjamin size.Then you have to look at production and value that's why I picked Benjamin for the most part.

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Just now, kiwifalcon said:

I think the drops scare a lot off when it comes to Sanu and what's attractive about Sanu scares a lot off about Benjamin size.Then you have to look at production and value that's why I picked Benjamin for the most part.

With him taking care of return duties in addition to what he brings to the table as a WR.. Gotta like Benjamin, I agree. I just wonder how much more he'll cost

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2 minutes ago, Dirtybird56 said:

With him taking care of return duties in addition to what he brings to the table as a WR.. Gotta like Benjamin, I agree. I just wonder how much more he'll cost

Cost I'm not to worried about actually as it allows us to release Hester & maybe Weems and also gives us options when it comes to what we do with Roddy pay-cut or straight release.We'd basically free up cash with those 3 moves to sign Benjamin.

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1 hour ago, slickgadawg said:

Matt Ryan should be restructuring if needed to help the Falcons sign ANY free agent they need.

IF NEEDED, I am sure he would be more than willing to. Players don't generally go to the team and ask to be restructured. That stuff is left to the agents.

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22 minutes ago, g-dawg said:

If signing Sanu or Benjamin is one of the highlights of our offseason:

saturday-night-live-rye-by-the-sword1.jp

Get prepared to impale yourself because the Falcons are going to sign a few slightly above average players and overstate what they can contribute to the team.  

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7 minutes ago, insight said:

Get prepared to impale yourself because the Falcons are going to sign a few slightly above average players and overstate what they can contribute to the team.  

this is Dunta laughing all the way to the bank - after stealing money from the Falcons

nfl_g_texansts_576.jpg

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