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
That bit about his RAS is crazy. I'm not sure how reliable those numbers are, but ranking #1 among all centers in the last 34 years is crazy if the numbers are even a little reliable. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Cave Johnson:
Long’s health is a giant question mark.
Exactly. He retired for a reason. Simply put though, if Long is healthy he will start. Would not expect to see much of Smith this year as he would be buried on the depth chart. [Reply]
Long, barring an injury or a significant drop off (both possible) will be a starter... he's been a stud in this league. LDT might be on the block (chopping or trade) with Smith in the wings. [Reply]
Originally Posted by nychief:
Long, barring an injury or a significant drop off (both possible) will be a starter... he's been a stud in this league. LDT might be on the block (chopping or trade) with Smith in the wings.
Not sure that is likely considering his contract.
I think LDT is a Chief this year, I just think he's going to have to win back his old starting spot. I think the battles for the right side of the line will be good for us. It wouldn't surprise me to see a starting lineup of Brown, Thuney, Humphries, LDT, and Long to start the season. Maybe Remmers is the odd man out and gets moved. Who knows. But as stated above the depth is amazing. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Detoxing:
The Chiefs have so much depth along the Oline now that they effectively have TWO NFL caliber lines.
Line 1: Brown/Thuney/Humphrey/LDT/Long
Line 2: Niang/Wylie/Blythe/Smith/Remmers
I don't know that I see Long playing RT. Maybe I've missed something, but I thought he was plugged in as a RG, competing with LDT for the starting spot. [Reply]
Originally Posted by ChiTown:
I don't know that I see Long playing RT. Maybe I've missed something, but I thought he was plugged in as a RG, competing with LDT for the starting spot.
He's played both RG and RT.
People assume he'll play RG because it's a lesser position than RT, and that Niang is the shoe-in for RT.
Niang likely is the starting RT. But Long can play RT too in case of an injury.
I put Long at RT instead of Niang for the sake of the excercise, to not duplicate players while demonstrating that even our back up Oline is an NFL caliber starting Oline.
Consider that prior to the Brown trade, people were already rationalizing this as a competent Oline rebuild: