Originally Posted by :
Humphrey grew up watching the Sooners and wrestling like his father, Chad, who grappled at the University of Central Oklahoma. The first-team all-state pick at Shawnee High School redshirted in 2017 before taking over the starting center spot in 12 of 14 games played in 2018, when he earned Freshman All-American and honorable mention All-Big 12 honors while helping the front five win the Joe Moore Award as the nation's top offensive line. Humphrey sat out spring 2019 practices due to injury but was ready for the fall, garnering Rimington Trophy finalist, second-team Associated Press All-American and Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades as a 14-game starter. The 2020 team captain and 11-game starter was named a third-team AP All-American, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and first-team all-conference center as a junior. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
Savvy, game-wise center with below-average length, good core strength and a full slate of intangibles desired at that position. Humphrey is praised inside the building for his outstanding leadership and having the recognition to make all the calls up front. He's more of a positional blocker than fork-lifter but has the core strength to neutralize and stalemate blockers at the point of attack. He's not a plus athlete but he's athletic enough as a move blocker, with the ability to work his feet into position to finish blocks after contact. He plays with a nasty streak when needed, which will appeal to offensive line coaches, but his overall profile might be more "steady" than "star." Humphrey is a solid, safe selection and should become a longtime starter.
Strengths
Three-year starter and two-year team captain.
Undeniable team leader and tough individual.
Wrestling background is evident in core strength.
Strong hands help maintain base block.
Looks to work hands into position after losing battle early.
Swings hips into position to seal the block.
Fluid footwork for short-pull game.
Finishes blocks with good intensity.
Technique to trap and pancake leaning nose.
Hands in punch were tighter and more accurate at Senior Bowl.
Helps with cleanup when teammates' protection gets leaky.
Capable in recovery mode.
Weaknesses
Very short arms for his size, allowing defenders to get shots into his frame.
Longer defenders separate and discard him.
Will give some early ground against strong bull rush.
Occasional drift against twisting fronts.
Susceptible against push-pull specialists.
Snap-to-step lateral quickness is average.
Doesn't generate noticeable push as a drive blocker at point of attack.
Gets a little grabby through contact on the move.
Sources Tell Us
"He was the best offensive lineman on the team when they won the Joe Moore Award (best offensive line in college football) and that line had everybody drafted, which speaks volumes for his ability." -- Southwest area scout for AFC team
Originally Posted by Mecca:
The only positions I think are really up for play are RG and RT.
I agree and there's only 2 questions that will remain. First, what will LDT be like after a year off? The 2nd question would be is Niang ready to be the RT?
Let's look at the RT slot today. Most of us have Niang filling that hole today. But if he's not ready for Sunday, that will force us to either move Long over there or use --- well, I'd just rather not go there. If LDT isn't ready and we have to use Long as a RT, then we have a hole at RG again. [Reply]
Originally Posted by oldman:
I agree and there's only 2 questions that will remain. First, what will LDT be like after a year off? The 2nd question would be is Niang ready to be the RT?
Let's look at the RT slot today. Most of us have Niang filling that hole today. But if he's not ready for Sunday, that will force us to either move Long over there or use --- well, I'd just rather not go there. If LDT isn't ready and we have to use Long as a RT, then we have a hole at RG again.
Remmers, brah.
We have options at every position except LT and LG. [Reply]
Originally Posted by oldman:
I agree and there's only 2 questions that will remain. First, what will LDT be like after a year off? The 2nd question would be is Niang ready to be the RT?
Let's look at the RT slot today. Most of us have Niang filling that hole today. But if he's not ready for Sunday, that will force us to either move Long over there or use --- well, I'd just rather not go there. If LDT isn't ready and we have to use Long as a RT, then we have a hole at RG again.
Rather not go where? Remmers would be the RT. The position he played most of the year and did just fine at. [Reply]
Best pick: Perhaps the last hole on the Chiefs’ offensive line entering the draft was at center. But the Chiefs filled that role by selecting Humphrey, a consistent prospect from Oklahoma who has the opportunity to beat center Austin Blythe, a six-year veteran, in training camp to be the Chiefs’ starter.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds, Humphrey was the second-ranked center in the draft class, according to Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s NFL Draft analyst. In 37 starts as Oklahoma’s center, Humphrey didn’t allow a sack and he gave up just two quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus. Humphrey earned the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year honor as both a sophomore and junior. The bonus for the Chiefs is that Humphrey’s transition to the league will be assisted by left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., his former college teammate. [Reply]
Jason Kersey on what the Chiefs are getting: Humphrey plays with outstanding strength and smarts, which allows him to out-physical his opponent, as his wrestling background and mentality translate to the field. He doesn’t always show the power to be a people-mover in the run game, but he finds a way to get the job done and tested above average in every category at his pro day. Overall, he projects as an NFL starting center with guard potential.
Dane Brugler’s analysis: My top-ranked center, Humphrey announced himself as a future early-round draft pick as a redshirt freshman at Oklahoma. A former high school wrestler, he has outstanding balance, toughness and smarts and showed his versatility to play center and guard. Think the Chiefs were affected by the lack of offensive line depth in the Super Bowl?
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B+. In 37 starts at center, Humphrey didn’t allow a sack and gave up just two quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus. Durable and tough, Humphrey is one of the top center prospects in this class and could have the versatility to play guard. The theme of the Chiefs’ offseason has been rebuilding their offensive line and adding depth. Adding Humphrey here makes sense. [Reply]
Chiefs Building the Mahomes WALL! Creed Humphrey Film Room- I get really excited watching offensive line film and Creed is an Excellent example of that. Come on over to RGR and check it out!
Chiefs Building the Mahomes WALL! Creed Humphrey Film Room- I get really excited watching offensive line film and Creed is an Excellent example of that. Come on over to RGR and check it out!
