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The Bengals have a void at No. 2 wideout, but plenty of candidates to take the role. That's why this weekend's rookie minicamp will be one to watch to see whether third-rounder Mohamed Sanu or fifth-rounder Marvin Jones has the edge.
According to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, it was Jones who was one of the "offensive performers of the day" on Friday. Jones was a favorite of some draft analysts prior to being selected, so it was a little surprising he was available in the fifth round. (As the undrafted status of running back Chris Polk makes clear, draftniks and NFL teams have different evaluations.)
Sanu, from Rutgers, is a little bigger with good hands but not much speed; he averaged under 11 yards per catch in college (as a comparison, Justin Blackmon was over 14). Jones isn't any faster but is pretty quick off the line and might have greater separation skills. If there weren't questions about his game he wouldn't have slipped until the fifth round, but that doesn't matter much now -- the opportunity is there for both players.
Cincinnati also has Jordan Shipley, most likely ticketed for the slot, and Armon Binns. Indications from Marvin Lewis were that the team won't sign free agent Braylon Edwards, so chances are good a rookie will get that job across from A.J. Green.
Working on the rookie story for the magazine right now, so these initial minicamps (which we were all deprived of during the lockout a year ago) are a good way to get an early feel for how the players are fitting in.
--Andy Richardson
- Comments [4]
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Posted by David Grace | May. 12 at 11:46 AM
Jones isn't any faster, Andy? He ran a 4.46 at the combine and Sanu ran a 4.65. That sounds like Jones is significantly faster to me. That's where my money is.
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | May. 12 at 03:52 PM
Had that info in front. of me and simply misspoke. Apologies. He is faster. Not sure Sanu is as.slow as that time suggests, however.
Posted by David Grace | May. 14 at 12:08 PM
I thought it was interesting that Jones wasn't even drafted in your rookie draft. I agree that Sanu may play faster than his 40 time, but I still think Jones is the better prospect. I think it's 50/50 on who wins the #2 job. I'm surprised no one took a 3rd round gamble on Jones.
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | May. 16 at 10:32 AM
Jones will definitely be one of the top waiver claims when the wire opens next Monday.