There is a new left-handed center in town for the Kansas City Chiefs. Organized team activities (OTAs) are underway and player evaluations during the offseason have begun. The team has concluded the first three phases and the squad is building the foundation for the 2021 NFL season.
With strict guidelines in place on formations, scheme and player lineups, media members have not been allowed to disclose much information on who is taking reps where. With some observations and roles revealed by the coaching staff, Chiefs Wire’ released a breakdown of the five offensive lineman taking reps with the starting unit this week. The group includes former Oklahoma Sooner, Creed Humphrey.
Look no further than the Chiefs’ team photo galleries throughout the week, and you’ll spot a left-handed snapper with the starting lineup. Well, there’s only one left-handed snapper in Kansas City in rookie Creed Humphrey.
So that leaves us from left-to-right a starting offensive line of Orlando Brown Jr., Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Kyle Long and Mike Remmers. Will this group be the starters for the Chiefs in Week 1? It’s possible.
Under the leadership of Bill Bedenbaugh, Humphrey produced an impressive resume at OU. He did not allow a single sack during the duration of his three-year career in Norman, paving the way for Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray and runner-up Jalen Hurts. He anchored Oklahoma’s great wall with near perfection in the interior. Now, he has the opportunity to protect ascending quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the pros.
That is a lofty job for a rookie but Humphrey has been primed for the leadership role. Mahomes has taken the NFL by storm with his arm-talent, and Humphrey moves from arguably college football’s most explosive offense under Lincoln Riley to the NFL’s with the Chiefs. Humphrey’s wrestling background translates into leverage and superb technique in the trenches.
The weak spot for Kansas City’s offense last year was the offensive line, which Andy Reid prioritized during the draft/free agency. Mahomes took a beating in Super Bowl LV by the Bucs’ defense, and a bolstered unit will hit the turf in 2021. The team is poised for contention once again and Humphrey will be a key. He will be one to watch throughout the remainder of the offseason.