Creed Humphrey praised for confirming the tape during pre-draft process

The LA Rams could be in a great position in the draft this year in spite of the fact that they don’t have a first round pick. The Rams only have one exceptionally clear need on the roster, which is a starting center. There are not a lot of teams in the NFL right now who seem like they’ll be prioritizing center in the draft and it is possible that this could be one of those years where no center goes in the top-45 picks.

Which would mean that Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey could still be on the board when the Rams are picking at 57 and he might be able to start snapping for them immediately.

In a recent post on The Athletic about the best pro day performances this year, Nick Baumgardner highlighted why Humphrey’s had such an outstanding pre-draft process leading into the big event later this month:

The whole point of pro day/workout data is to confirm the story told by a player’s tape. Humphrey is basically the ultimate example. At the Senior Bowl, he was the most consistent lineman (regardless of position) I watched during 11-on-11 practice drills. He looked strong enough to earn wins at the point of attack. Athletic enough to climb and move while also helping both guards next to him.

His pro day testing confirmed plenty. Humphrey’s explosion numbers were outstanding (33-inch vertical, 9-foot, 4-inch broad jump), his 10-yard split of 1.71 seconds and shuttle time of 4.49 were also elite. Humphrey’s Relative Athletic Score of 9.98 (out of 10) is basically perfect for a center prospect. Humphrey was off the board at No. 37 on Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft.

Does everything on Humphrey’s tape confirm those workout numbers? Perhaps not every rep. But he did what he wanted at Oklahoma and had a really nice Senior Bowl. People know what he can do now. A true center with guard potential who is likely on the rise.

If the Rams do intend to draft their starting center for 2021 this year, it could come with growing pains no matter who he is. Even first round centers have struggled as rookies, and forevermore in some cases. But others have managed okay and Humphrey’s done everything asked of him so far to prove that he just might be the best interior offensive lineman in the draft.

And potentially somehow still available when Los Angeles is on the board.