Big signing

[Okeana]

(03-15-2019, 09:45 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: This.  We have to stop making Hart out to be an Ogbuehi.  The guy had his problems, but let's look at the big picture:

He ranked 56.2 last year according to PFF.  I don't have his breakdowns but he is clearly a much better run blocker than a pass blocker.  He was far from what I would call "good", but the rushing attack DID yield its best YPC in what seemed to be a decade or two.  He improved as a pass blocker as the season wore on, and he stayed healthy the entire season (I think?  At least I don't remember any injuries).

He is also STILL 24 years old.  He turns 25 in late August right as the season is about to begin.  

(((((THIS IS SURE TO GET ME KILLED ON HERE)))))

For those of us that have been around a while, you might remember that future HOF (He better be) Andrew Whitworth was far from elite his first few seasons and struggled mightily when he was first put at OT.  Hart deserves the benefit of the doubt.  He isn't Ogbuehi and, again, he has shown he can drive block with the best of them.  He is a massively strong man, and is just about to turn 25.  

I am not saying that I am going to run out and buy his jersey and request 1HART on my next Bengals license plate, but the guy deserves more credit than he is receiving on here.  He also deserves the opportunity to see what he can become under new coaches and the new scheme. 

And, there is always the potential that he becomes a backup if a strong draft pick takes his job....

Playing OT is about footwork, technique, and power.  All of which can increase the older you get especially power.  The thing that limits an OT's career is typically injuries.  Dennard is not going to get faster the older he gets and very rarely does a mediocre CB turn into a pro bowl caliber player.  Its literally apples and oranges