The Houston Texans have a need at center now that they have parted with former 2016 second-round pick Nick Martin.
Add center to one of the myriad of needs the Texans will need to address in the 2021 offseason, which is already pock-marked with a paucity of draft picks and lack of salary cap space.
If the Texans choose to rebuild in the draft under general manager Nick Caserio, former Oklahoma Sooners center Creed Humphrey may be a prospect they need to keep their eyes on
According to Brianna Dix of the Sooners Wire, Humphrey has some unique characteristics and traits that would make him a solid starter for any team looking for a young center.
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.
Creed back blocking a 2i (+ picking up the DE for a 2-for-1) & multiple 3Ts. Get this man in a diverse run scheme & prosper. pic.twitter.com/uCQ0MEoQH2
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) February 25, 2021
A couple of prospects you won't see in round 1 of mock drafts but I think have a really high floor and should have significant roles as rookies:
-WR Elijah Moore
-RB Kenneth Gainwell
-C Creed Humphrey
-DB Elijah Molden
-LB Jabril Cox— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) February 25, 2021
The problem is Houston’s lack of top-100 selections. With the 67th pick overall in Round 3, the Texans would be using the initial selection of their draft class on a center when they have other needs to fill, such as defensive line, cornerback, receiver, and possibly linebacker given the switch to Lovie Smith’s new Tampa-2 scheme.
2021 won’t be a great year for Houston, but they can make their return to the top by starting with the offensive line and getting a quality center.