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
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid on Creed Humphrey/low snaps: "He's a diligent player. He's a relentless worker. We'll get all of that taken care of." pic.twitter.com/wmJhtTrgwx
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid on Creed Humphrey/low snaps: "He's a diligent player. He's a relentless worker. We'll get all of that taken care of." pic.twitter.com/wmJhtTrgwx
Reid is as a good at saying nothing as Belichick, hes just nicer about it. He said similar stuff about Toney and they benched his ass. With that said I don't think the snapping issue is a big deal. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bowser:
Just work on getting those shotgun snaps over the bellybutton, Creed. That's your offseason homework.
Has he ever said anything as to why he rolls the ball back to Mahomes from time to time? Even HOF centers misfire from time to time but rolling the ball back there? I cant remember any center ever doing that as often as it occurs these days. [Reply]
Originally Posted by BigRedChief:
Has he ever said anything as to why he rolls the ball back to Mahomes from time to time? Even HOF centers misfire from time to time but rolling the ball back there? I cant remember any center ever doing that as often as it occurs these days.
Rumor has it, his massive hog gets in the way. Mahomes is going to need to pay for a reduction surgery to get the snaps up to proper level [Reply]
Originally Posted by Perineum Ripper:
Rumor has it, his massive hog gets in the way. Mahomes is going to need to pay for a reduction surgery to get the snaps up to proper level
He needs to take a cut to his girth for the team.:-) [Reply]
If he is going to misfire, rolling it back is preferable to snapping the ball over the QBs head like what happened to Manning in the beginning of SB48. I laughed then, though. [Reply]
PFF Center Rankings: Top 32 ahead of the 2024 NFL season
1. CREED HUMPHREY, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Humphrey surpassed Jason Kelce as the game’s best center in our 2023 rankings, and with Kelce now retired, Humphrey is the clear best center in the NFL. He allowed just 16 pressures in 2023, and his 78.2 overall grade ranked seventh at the position.
And bringing up the next-to-bottom of the field....
31. LUKE WATTENBERG, DENVER BRONCOS
Wattenberg has yet to make an impact for the Broncos since he was drafted in the fifth round in 2022. When he’s been on the field, Wattenberg has struggled, earning a 45.8 grade in 2022 and 2023. Despite that, Denver has him pegged as its starting center heading in 2024. The team will hope for big improvements.
