The K.C. Chiefs were forced to wait for a long time before making their first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but they were quick to turn in another selection in the second round with the 63rd pick overall with their choice of center Creed Humphrey from Oklahoma.
With this selection, the Chiefs not only add one of the best overall centers in the draft class but they complete their efforts to revitalize an offensive front that was exposed in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. The Chiefs certainly suffered from myriad injuries heading into that game, but the Chiefs have focused considerable efforts on getting younger, deeper and better overall across the entire offensive front.
Humphrey should be able to come in and immediately compete for reps at center by competing with new signing Austin Blythe, who was formerly the starting center for the Los Angeles Rams. Blythe was signed for only one year to a very inexpensive deal, so the Chiefs have very little in the way of investment there to keep Humphrey from taking over sooner than later.
Humphrey was named the Big 12’s offensive lineman of the year for each of the last two seasons.
Unless they trade up with their remaining picks (or perhaps some of next year’s selections), the Chiefs are now finished for the night. Their next scheduled draft choice is not until their original slot in the fourth round at No. 145 overall. That’s the first of four scheduled selections on Day 3 for the Chiefs front office.