Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: Center, Creed Humphrey (Oklahoma)

We continue our look into the 2021 NFL Draft class with another potential offensive line target: Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey.

While the Buccaneers currently are set on the interior of the offensive line, it’s expected that Humprey will be a late first round or early second round pick. I i don't expect them to draft him in the first round, however if they could somehow get Humphrey in the second round, it’d be a steal.

CREED HUMPHREY’S COLLEGIATE CAREER

Coming out of high school, according to 247sports, Humphrey was a four-star center from Shawnee, Oklahoma. He decided to stay home and play for the Sooners. After redshirting in 2017, Humphrey started 11 games in 2018 and was named Second Team All-Big 12 and a Freshman All-American by FWAA and The Athletic.

In 2019 and 2020, Humphrey started every game for the Sooners and allowed zero sacks. He was named First Team All-Big 12 in both years. In 2019, Humphrey was selected Second Team AP All-American and was selected as Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year. In 2020, he was selected Third Team AP All-American and was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year.

PRO DAY DATA AND ANALYSIS

Back at the Senior Bowl, Humphrey showed well for himself. He was one of two offensive lineman to not allow a pressure in the game.

Humphrey had an even more impressive showing at Oklahoma’s Pro Day. Humphrey ran 5.09 40-yard dash wowed some people given his size and position. His overall athleticism was really shown off through all of his workouts at the pro day and boosted his draft stock.

Here’s what Bleacher Report’s Chris Roling had to say about Humphrey’s pro day:

WHAT HE BRINGS IN 2021

It’s unlikely that Humphrey would start as a rookie but there’s a strong chance that he would serve as the backup center for the talented veteran Ryan Jensen. One year learning under Jensen could be vital for a guy like Humphrey who has a ton of upside.

Humphrey could also be a guy who fills a role on the interior if a guy like Alex Cappa or Ali Marpet gets hurt. Aaron Stinnie played that role last year and ended up having a big impact due to Capper’s injury. While Stinnie provides more experience, Humphrey is more fresh. Both guys could play major roles for the Bucs next season.

THREE-YEAR OUTLOOK

Despite not expecting to play too much in his first year, everything could change for Humphrey in year two.

Ryan Jensen’s four-year, $42 million contract will end following this season making him an unrestricted free agent in 2022. The Bucs could want to save some money at the position and hope Humphrey could immediately fill the role. Jensen will likely be looking for a good amount of money as he should.

It’s also important to point out the fact that Tom Brady is at quarterback likely for a few more years. It’s known how important having a solid center is for Brady. He may not want to move on from Jensen, but if he's fine with that, Humphrey will have major shoes to fill.

STOCK REPORT

Prior to his pro day, it was looking like Humphrey would be an early day two pick. However, some mock drafts have him going as high as the 24th pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to Mel Kiper Jr. on ESPN+, Humphrey is rated as the second best center in this draft behind only Landon Dickerson from Alabama.

The big thing for Humphrey was his pro day. Before that, Humphrey was still viewed high, but the athleticism he displayed was incredible. His pro day could potentially be the difference maker for him in being drafted in the first round versus the second round.

This is also a pretty strong draft for the center position and at the Reese’s Senior Bowl we saw that on display with a ton of guys at that position boosting their draft stock.

ON THE CLOCK...

So, Bucs Nation, it’s time to hear your thoughts. Would it be worth drafting a center in the first round even if he isn’t going to make an immediate impact? If so, is Creed Humphrey the guy that you want? Let us know what you think by voting in our poll and discussing your thoughts in the comments down below.