One of the few "dual-threat" Wide Receivers in the 2012 NFL Draft will most definitely be on the Colts radar, and that's Rutgers WR Mohamed Sanu. Sanu left the Scarlet Knights as a Junior, which has actually been a good sign for former Rutgers players. The three players that have done it recently: Ray Rice, Kenny Britt, and Anthony Davis.
Even though Sanu only played three seasons, he racked up some amazing numbers. He is the all-time Big East leader in career receptions with 210, and also holds the conference record for most receptions in a game, when he grabbed 16 balls against Ohio back in September. He finished 2011 with 115 catches, including six games with double figure receptions in a game. He finished with 2263 yards receiving for his career, 1206 of them coming this season. As you can see, he was incredibly productive.
Sanu is a big guy that can go up and get the ball. As you'll see after the jump, National Football Post compares him to Hakeem Nicks, which is high praise. Now he's not going to fly by anyone (ran a 4.67 40), but he can obviously do other things that don't require lightning speed. Sanu does double as a punt returner, and he looks to be in the same mold as all the former Colts punt returners...went back there 31 times, fair caught 19 of them, and averaged under 5 yards per return. Probably not any stock-increasing work there.
One of the funnier lines from the Combine also came from Sanu, when he was asked about whether he'd be up for running the wildcat in the NFL, as he did it in college a bit (emphasis his):
No, it's a different kind of animal in the NFL, a different kind of beast. There's grown men playing. I'm not saying there's not grown men playing in college, but all those guys in the NFL are grown men and so it's different kinds of hits, it's a different kind of beast. I'll stick to the outside.
It's roughly 8:15 into the audio and drew laughs from the crowd of about 25 around him laugh.
After the jump we have what some draft sites have to say about Sanu, as well as all his measurements from the Combine, audio from his media session, and my thoughts on him.
An imposing physical specimen with a long set of arms, strong looking frame who certainly looks the part of a starting caliber wide out...Physically reminds me some of Hakeem Nicks. Isn't as NFL ready, but can go get the football, breakdown and separate on all levels of the field. Looks like a future NFL starter who might need some time, but the talent is most definitely there.
Versatile, athletic, competitive, field-fast receiver with an energetic temperament. Displays loose movement skills, route savvy and quick hands to make plays in a variety of roles, including from a flanker spot or in the slot. Also has "Wildcat" and punt-return experience.
Sanu missed only one start in his career and has continued to develop significantly each year. He has good size and is capable of making a lot of plays within a West Coast offense. He is a player who can separate well and excels in the short to intermediate passing game, an ideal receiver for a timing-based, pass-often offense.
Combine Measurements:
Height | Weight | 40 Time | Bench | Vertical | Broad |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6'1 7/8" | 211 | 4.67 |
19 | 36" |
10'6" |
Combine Media Session (9:21)
I think Sanu is a good prospect, but I just think he's not quite good enough to be picked at #34, and will be gone by pick #65, leaving the Colts out of luck. It's certainly possible that the Colts could trade either of those picks if they fall in love with a guy, but I'm guessing they wouldn't trade up to get a WR. Just a hunch. Either way I think Sanu will be a productive player in a couple years, but will take his lumps early on, like almost every WR does when they come out.
For a complete list of prospects and profiles, check out our 2012 Draft Profiles Page.