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
While the history of the Chiefs does suggest that they can replace venters at ease, I think the team construction says otherwise. Putting a giant ? at the center of the line is asking for it. Especially when you already have projects at LT. I think we have two future starting guards on this team. They have a year to season before they absolutely need to be ready to go. Look, after Thuney is gone the only person they are paying anything to is Taylor. You can easily afford Creed. And frankly he was injured all year and still was decent. I think he is a fixture in KC. No need to replace Creed. No need to over spend to keep Smith, but I will miss his nasty streak. [Reply]
Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks:
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.
Don't care for the low snaps these last 2 yrs but I do love that he has kept Mahomes from being "kissed" by the NT since being drafted by the Chiefs. But business is business and like I have said, it is all on paper now and just depends IF Nourzad can play at the NFL level or not. Remains to be seen.:-) [Reply]
PFF putting him number one and completely ignoring those shotgun snaps is kind of hilarious though. Like, that doesn't factor in? They 100% have to be fixed. If that guy isn't doing 500 shotgun snaps a day while people hit his face with pillows he's wasting the offseason. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Wisconsin_Chief:
They did draft one, but he’s got a very high ceiling. Hate to say it but I think Creed is a goner next year, he’s going to get a ridiculous offer from someone and I don’t think the Chiefs will even be close. I don’t see how you drop $15 million a year on a center in this offense, which is the bare minimum Creed is going to get.
They let Rodney Hudson walk, they let Mitch Morse walk, and we won our first Super Bowl with a street free agent at center. Unless they’re planning on moving on from Thuney, but with such a young LT that seems unlikely. We’ll see, but just going by the trends they’ve already set it seems like he’s probably gone.
I think you probably throw big money at Creed, because you're not dropping big coin on left tackle for at least a few years.
Weird thing to notice, but it looked like Creed was holding the ball differently for his snaps, had the ball pointing at the ground instead of parallel to the ground.
Originally Posted by Bl00dyBizkitz:
Weird thing to notice, but it looked like Creed was holding the ball differently for his snaps, had the ball pointing at the ground instead of parallel to the ground.
