College: Oregon
Height: 281
Weight: 6’6”
Strengths
Run support: To complement his terrific size and length, Hart has great vision for a 3-4 defensive end and uses his eyes well to find ball carriers. From there he stacks and sheds to bring down his target.
Hand technique: 32 ¾ inch arms allow Hart to deliver strong blows with his big paws that either stun defenders with a punch or are used to flash an impressive swim move that he does not utilise enough. Moreover he gets his hands up in passing lanes which resulted in a high number of swatted passes.
Production: For a 3-4 end Hart showed up on the stat sheet more than most. During his four eligible playing seasons he accumulated 173 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, 16 sacks and five forced fumbles.
Weaknesses
Pass rushing: Firstly, Hart has little variety when it comes to his pass rush moves and that is why the swim move needs to become a regular piece in his arsenal. Secondly, he lacks explosiveness off the line which gives blockers time to get their hands on his big frame.
Strength: Hart could add bulk to his frame – especially in the lower body. This would allow him to stay square and anchor more effectively against double teams.
Pad level: Briefly mentioned above, Hart plays with a high pad level which presents a large target for offensive lineman. This may come from a strange stance where his knees come under his chest causing his first movement to be upwards at the snap of the ball - a very curable problem.
NFL Comparison
Chris Canty, Baltimore Ravens. Like Canty, Hart possesses ideal length to play 3-4 defensive end – of which there are few in the 2014 NFL Draft. Both use their reach to shed blocks and be a menace in the run game. Canty has just 21 sacks in eight NFL seasons and the tale of the tape suggests Hart also struggles to get to the quarterback quickly.
Draft Outlook
Despite ideal NFL size, Hart could be scheme specific at the next level and that relegates him to the third day of draft. His intelligence and motor will catch the eye of somebody who will look to utilise his raw tools and that may see him selected as high as the fourth round.
Best Fits
Hart best projects as a 3-4 defensive end playing the 5 technique and, along that line of thinking, San Francisco become the ideal landing spot for the former Duck. Justin Smith is one of the best in the business and could certainly teach the young defender a thing or two while a stunning linebacker corps will divert attention away from the rookie. Alternatively, the New York Jets could be a solid match.
Follow Richard on Twitter @Richard_Gatenby