The Cincinnati Reds congratulated the Cincinnati Bengals after they picked Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Mims only started eight games in college, which has led to people comparing him to former Bengals first round offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi. That kind of comparison has me thinking of a shortsighted Reds comparison involving Elly De La Cruz.

Some fans had decided that, because he strikes out more than others, De La Cruz was the next Aristides Aquino. Fun for a moment, but ultimately a player that would never reach his potential. They were wrong for a bunch of reasons. They found one issue and decided that, since this other guy had the same issue, they were similar players.

De La Cruz hasn’t yet played 162 games in his career, or the equivalent of a full season, and yet it is clear that he is just different. Different in every good way. He’s faster than most, has more power in his swing than most, and is now adding a consistency at the plate that is built on good pitch recognition and patience. De La Cruz is combing almost-superhuman traits with good development and will be a player that no Reds fan has ever seen.

Mims is inexperienced, but has plenty of potential. He has the physical traits that most elite linemen possess. Simply because he lacked a large highlight reel, some are assuming Mims is the next Ogbuehi.

Fans found out, rather quickly, they were completely wrong about De La Cruz. There’s a real chance that Mims has success and ends the Ogbuehi comps in similar fashion.