5 potential NFL training camp surprise cuts

Mohamed Sanu – New England Patriots

New England traded for Sanu last season in the hope of the former Atlanta Falcon igniting a passing game that was too often stagnant in what proved Tom Brady’s final year with the Patriots.

Sanu failed to do that and caught 26 balls for just 207 yards and a touchdown. That is scant production for a player for whom the Patriots dealt a second-round pick to the Falcons.

Most teams would be reluctant to part with a player shortly after surrendering that level of capital.

However, the Patriots – under Bill Belichick’s leadership – are not like most teams. Belichick has rarely demonstrated that he places much value on draft picks and, should other receivers on the depth chart outperform Sanu, his spell in New England could prove a brief one.

Sanu’s experience may help his cause with Jarrett Stidham expected to take the reins of the offense.

But Julian Edelman will likely remain the top target in the passing game while last year’s first-round pick N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers should be more comfortable in Josh McDaniels’ offense after up and down rookie years.

With the additions of Damiere Byrd and Marqise Lee and an explosive undrafted free agent in Jeff Thomas, Sanu cannot afford to take his place on the roster for granted.