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KC Chiefs 2021 Draft: Best interior o-line prospects to protect Patrick Mahomes

By Thomas Welte

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft prospect Creed Humphrey
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – OCTOBER 31: Center Creed Humphrey #56 of the Oklahoma Sooners snaps the ball during the first half of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma

Creed Humphrey has been the linchpin of Oklahoma’s offensive line since 2018 when he earned the starting center job. Speaking of 2018, that was the last time the Oklahoma native gave up a sack. While the overall draft buzz for Humphrey during the 2020 college football season appeared to be cooling off, Humphrey continued to play at a high level and accumulate awards and recognition. Humphrey is expected to be the first center off the board in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Humphrey is not an elite athlete, but his above average play strength and football IQ help compensate for any athleticism that may be lacking. Humphrey plays with a level of grit and nasty that has been lacking along Kansas City’s interior, and he displays a high football IQ and should be able to help Mahomes organize the offensive line, identifying blitzes, and set protections.

There are some who may ding Humphrey for snapping the ball left-handed, but that is a minor adjustment for the center and quarterback to work out through repetition and should not be a determining factor in his evaluation. The biggest concern is his athletic ability, but Humphrey has demonstrated the ability to take correct angles and get to a block in space. Humphrey is a phenomenal finisher and routinely puts guys in the dirt.

Humphrey should be a first-round pick, but the NFL does not always value centers as highly as other positions. Concerns about overall athleticism have certainly cooled his stock, but the talent and football IQ are undeniable. Humphrey should be a plug-and-play starter at center, even if his upside is not as high as some other players on the line.

Kansas City has not had an upper echelon center since the departure of Mitch Morse, and this could be an opportunity to change that. Humphrey is likely to be available in the late first round and could even fall into Day 2. Kansas City does prefer their offensive line to be more mobile and that may give the team pause, but the fit should work out. Creed Humphrey reminds me of Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones, as both are powerful, intelligent players who do not posses elite level athleticism. Humphrey is my top-ranked center for the 2021 NFL Draft.

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