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 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.
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.
Originally Posted by suzzer99:
But Eric Eager said the Chiefs were going to draft not one, but two centers.
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. [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 get the sentiment, and Reid's history disagrees with me, but I feel like Creed and Bolton stay, and Trey moves on elsewhere with Nourzad taking Trey's spot.
I also think there's a much higher than not probability that Thuney is gone next year though. We'll save 16M and if my memory serves me correct, we're already gonna be up against the cap next year. [Reply]
Originally Posted by kcgreene:
I get the sentiment, and Reid's history disagrees with me, but I feel like Creed and Bolton stay, and Trey moves on elsewhere with Nourzad taking Trey's spot.
I also think there's a much higher than not probability that Thuney is gone next year though. We'll save 16M and if my memory serves me correct, we're already gonna be up against the cap next year.
Thuney is 100% gone after this year. And we'll need to get some extensions done sooner rather than later. [Reply]
Originally Posted by kcgreene:
I get the sentiment, and Reid's history disagrees with me, but I feel like Creed and Bolton stay, and Trey moves on elsewhere with Nourzad taking Trey's spot.
I also think there's a much higher than not probability that Thuney is gone next year though. We'll save 16M and if my memory serves me correct, we're already gonna be up against the cap next year.
I totally hope that’s the case, just going by past history and what I expect Creed’s market to be at a position this organization hasn’t shown a lot of value in from a monetary standpoint. They know they can plug and play guys, but Creed is definitely a rare breed, even better than Morse and Hudson were. It will be interesting to see how they handle things. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bowser:
The only additional thing I ask from Creed this season is for all of his shotgun snaps to hit Mahomes between the 1 and the 5.
ya the low snaps were noticeable. But he's still the best center in the league and I would have no issue if they gave him a contract and I'll trust Veach if they don't. [Reply]
Paying a center elite money is like paying top dollar for this offense to get a RB who isn't a threat to pass catch. It would be a terrible use of funds.
We don't run the push tush.
We don't QB sneak.
We pass more than almost any other team in the league.
I can't think of many things dumber than paying Creed Humphrey to be the highest paid center in the league.
Originally Posted by BWillie:
Paying a center elite money is like paying top dollar for this offense to get a RB who isn't a threat to pass catch. It would be a terrible use of funds.
We don't run the push tush.
We don't QB sneak.
We pass more than almost any other team in the league.
I can't think of many things dumber than paying Creed Humphrey to be the highest paid center in the league.
Let his ass walk.
:-) you are lucky we live in a free country or else comments like that will get you thrown in the gulag. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Delano:
According to your logic, you’d also throw Andy out too. History and current moves show the Chiefs are positioning themselves to move on.
"Current moves"?
Please don't tell me you're clueless enough to believe the Chiefs drafting a versatile IOL on day 3 means anything about Humphrey :-)
Yes, Andy let Morse and Hudson walk. He didn't draft Hudson, and Morse had concussion issues though, so that doesn't necessarily mean he's going to let the best C in the NFL do the same. Do you honestly believe that Jason Kelce wouldn't have still been an Eagle for life if Andy never left Philly?
I don't think it's a guarantee by any means, but I think it's more likely than not that Humphrey will get a 2nd contract. [Reply]
