The NFL just finished wrapped up the very first wave of free agency. With each event in the NFL offseason, it becomes clearer what teams need going into the draft.
The latest mock draft following the first wave from Luke Easterling of Draft Wire put a former Oklahoma Sooner back into the first round, center Creed Humphrey.
Pick 01.24: Pittsburgh Steelers
Prior to the first wave of free agency, the former Sooner was projected as a second-round selection. The Big 12’s offensive lineman of the year finds himself back in the first round with the Steelers at No. 24 overall. With the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey after 11 seasons, Pittsburgh needs to address the center position.
Some great leverage battles all Senior Bowl week between @UCLAFootball DT Osa Odighizuwa (3x HS state wrestling champ in Oregon) and @OU_Football OC Creed Humphrey (state runner-up in Oklahoma). Both looked like potential rookie starters last week. #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/MT0i2lkRcM
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 5, 2021
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The team needs a new anchor and Humphrey is one of the top two centers available in the upcoming draft according to most draft pundits. According to Pro Football Focus, Humphrey didn’t allow a sack in 401 drop backs this past season.
Humphrey is one of the few left-handed centers in the country. As an interior blocker in one of the most prolific offenses in college football, he uses his wide frame to gain leverage on inside defenders. Consistently wins one-on-one matchups and imposes will in the A-gaps. A key cog in Lincoln Riley’s play-action/RPO-centric offense. Violent hands, great upper body strength to hold his man in place, and quick get-off after the snap. Possesses above average awareness and can get to the second level without a problem. – Brianna Dix on Creed Humphrey
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