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Kansas City Chiefs Center Creed Humphrey Has Serious OROY Case

By Jacob Schyvinck

Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) on the line of scrimmage against the Buffalo Bills during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) on the line of scrimmage against the Buffalo Bills during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a year that’s been down on rookie QB performances, it’s time an offensive lineman wins OROY. Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey has a case.

It’s something that’s never been done since the offensive rookie of the year award was started in 1967. From then until now, the only positions who have won the award are quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and even fullbacks.

The 2020 season had a chance to be the season that crowned an offensive lineman won, as Tristan Wirfs had an incredible rookie campaign at right tackle, good enough to have earned All-Pro honors (though trusting voters for that is foolhardy). Despite his season, Justin Herbert’s was deemed the better one, and the award went to Herbert.

Now, in 2021, there’s a conundrum forming with the award. The much-heralded quarterback class hasn’t been very good across the board. Yes, Mac Jones has surpassed expectations, but his season doesn’t quite measure up to recent winners just yet. Ja’Marr Chase looked like a favorite, but he’s cooled off as we’ve moved into December. Jaylen Waddle has a chance with a strong finish, and tackle Rashawn Slater should also be considered.

However, right now, the winner should be Creed Humphrey, who has had a phenomenal season for the Kansas City Chiefs and a major stalwart on our rookie rankings. As a rookie, he’s helped anchor the interior of the offensive line and been a major reason the unit has improved from last season. It’s nice that there’s a vet in Joe Thuney by his side, but Humphrey has been utterly dominant.

He is being recognized for his play around the blogosphere. While there are differing opinions on PFF (it’s an important tool to use, but shouldn’t be a foundation), they have Humphrey as the highest graded center this season and highest graded run blocker.

On film, it’s easy to see why. He isn’t the most explosive or athletic player at the position in the NFL, but he gets out of his stance quick and is great at getting into position for leverage blocks. He possesses the torque and power to move defenders, reset the line of scrimmage, and get defensive tackles on the ground. Humphrey has shown the ability to work and seal off the second level on runs as well.

As a pass protector, he’s been stout as well. He stays low, balanced, and has a phenomenal anchor when rushed head-on. If teams stay wide with their rushers, which can leave Humphrey looking for work, he stays patient for a player working into his gap. When that happens, Humphrey has a finisher’s mindset.

This isn’t to say that Creed Humphrey has played perfect football. There are always things to clean up and improve upon in the NFL, especially for young players. However, Humphrey has played like one of the best centers in the league this season, and has been a huge help for the Kansas City Chiefs. There is no reason why he shouldn’t be considered for OROY. If voters don’t consider it, it’s time for new voters who pay attention to the offensive line.

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