2021 NFL draft player breakdown: Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey

As Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey enters the 2021 NFL draft, here is his player breakdown.

Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey is one of the most elite centers in the country. He is a proven interior lineman with three productive seasons for the Sooners. Humphrey has been the centerpiece of OU’s high esteemed offensive line with over 2,400 snaps in Crimson and Cream. His effectiveness on the gridiron throughout his collegiate career in 37 starts (36 straight) has positioned him for success at the pro level.

The 6-4, 328-pound center has achieved numerous accolades for his impactful play at the line of scrimmage. In 2018, Humphrey was named the starter and anchored the Sooners’ offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award. In addition that season, he paved the way for Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray. He earned second-team All-Big 12 honors and was named to the freshman All-American club by FWAA.

In 2019, a similar stellar performance followed in the trenches. Humphrey was named as one of three finalists for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best center. Despite being the last man standing in the line that year from the carryover, Oklahoma’s offense was still in its prime and one of the most explosive in the nation in large part due to Humphrey’s play. QB Jalen Hurts was a Heisman Finalist and Lincoln Riley garnered high-praise for Humphrey, often labeling him the team’s “best player.”

2020 was another stellar year for the man in the middle. Humphrey was named first-team All-Big 12 and third-team All-American. For the second year in a row, he did not allow a sack. He was the stabilizer up front and his protection once again led to the team’s hierarchy in the Big 12. Humphrey helped provide a clean pocket for multiple quarterbacks, and stayed on run blocks longer to create an open seam for rushers/ pathway to the second level.

Humphrey is projected to be a day two draft pick. The Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills are all in need of a solid center to command their respective offensive lines.

Next, we begin with what to like about Humphrey.