KC Chiefs: Predicting the two-deep along the offensive line

By Josh Fann | May 13, 2021

Sep 8, 2019; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) audibles coverage as running back Damien Williams (26) and offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (76) and offensive guard Andrew Wylie (77) and center Austin Reiter (62) listen during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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OU’s Creed Humphrey (56) walks to the field before the 2019 season opener against Houston at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.creed /

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Creed Humphrey, Austin Blythe

At one point, Austin Blythe seemed like the starting center for the Kansas City Chiefs but that all changed when they chose Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey with the 63rd pick in the NFL Draft. Humphrey was considered one of, if not, the best center in the entire draft and I don’t even think the Chiefs thought he was going to be available there. Humphrey is infinitely more talented than Blythe and that isn’t a knock on Blythe but Humphrey is that good and did not allow a single sack in college while blocking for names like Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts. I would be surprised if he isn’t the starter by the start of the season.

That would mean Austin Blythe is the backup center for the Chiefs. Blythe is an upgrade over Austin Reiter, and Humphrey is an upgrade over Blythe. That just goes to show how much progress the Chiefs have made in improving their line from last year.

Blythe is a competent center who started last year for the Los Angeles Rams and helped lead a top ten rushing offense while posting a 72.3 run-blocking grade according PFF. His pass-blocking wasn’t anything to write home about, but playing next to Pro-Bowl caliber guards and having Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback should also help Blythe improve there. Blythe also has guard/center versatility which makes him more valuable.

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