Packers: 3 Replacements for Corey Linsley in 2021 NFL Draft

1. Creed Humphrey – Oklahoma

If he is not the top center in the draft, it would be tough to deny Humphrey the title of the most polished player at his position in the class after an excellent career with the Sooners. Humphrey was a near three-year starter for Oklahoma and consistently impressed in both pass protection and run blocking.

He can completely shut interior rushers down when he locks his hands on, demonstrating an understanding of leverage, playing with a low pad level, good knee bend, and a wide base.

Humphrey displays excellent awareness in pass protection, constantly keeping his head on a swivel, looking for work, and picking up new assignments on the fly. He consistently provided support punches for opposing guards while showcasing the ability to redirect and pick up blitzes from the interior and off the edge.

Though his athleticism does not pop off the screen, Humphrey has little problem getting to the second level in the run game, which is imperative in the Packers’ Shanahan-like system, based heavily around zone-blocking concepts.

Possessing impressive hip fluidity, Humphrey does a superb job of sealing defenders away from the play. For a Packers team that has invested heavily in the run game – re-signing Aaron Jones even after drafting A.J. Dillon in the second round – Humphrey’s talents in that area can help them justify the resources they have put towards improving the ground attack.

The selection of Humphrey is not one that will cause much of a stir, but it is one that could have a substantial long-term impact on the performance of the Packers’ offense.