The NFL 2021 NFL draft is fast approaching in April and Oklahoma Sooner center, Creed Humphrey is a name drawing attention. He is one of the top interior offensive lineman projected to go in the upcoming draft.
According to the Draft Wire’s updated interior offensive line rankings. Humphrey is fourth on the prospect list with USC’s Alijah Vera at No.1, Ohio State’s Wyatt Davis at No.2, and Alabama’s Landon Dickerson at No.3.
His accomplishments on the field for the Sooners’ in 2020 earned him a spot on PFF’s (Wins Above Average) MVP Centers list.
Most valuable Centers in football last season (per PFF Wins Above Average):
1. Landon Dickerson, Alabama
2. Drake Jackson, Kentucky
3. Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/lXEcmNpCth— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 16, 2021
The 6’4, 312-pound lineman has totaled 37 career starts for OU over a three year span. Humphrey has been the centerpiece for one of the most high-powered offenses in college football. He controlled the A-gaps as a left-handed center and used his frame to out-leverage interior defenders across from him.
Humphrey anchored a line in 2018 that won the Joe Moore Award and help pave the way for quarterback Kyler Murray to become the Heisman winner that year. He earned a second-team All-Big 12 mention and was named to the All-American group by FWAA.
In 2019, his elite play on the field continued, making him one of the three finalists for the Rimington Trophy (given to the nation’s best center).
The productivity did not let up in 2020 and Humphrey was named first-team All-Big 12 and third-team All-American. To top off the accolades, he did not allow a sack for two consecutive seasons (2019-20).
With the NFL progressing each year into more and more of a pass-heavy league, acquiring an elite pass protector is essential. Humphrey has a high IQ to meet the desired physical attributes and will help solidify a team’s offensive line. Center is a valued position moreso than ever and Humphrey’s career at Oklahoma has primed him for success at the Pro level.