Two selections from the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2021 draft class made their way to Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie team, with guard Trey Smith and center Creed Humphrey setting themselves apart from all other first-year players at their positions. Both graded out to be in the top-20 of any players at their positions, with Humphrey ending up as the overall best center in the league with a 91.4 grade according to independent analysts.
While Smith didn’t quite meet that standard, he ended the regular season as the league’s 18th ranked guard, grading out appreciably better in the running game where he excelled throughout the 17-game schedule. He didn’t quite beat veteran teammate Joe Thuney who was their eighth-best guard in the league. However, compared to other rookies under consideration, Smith blew away the competition.
Having two players make the list is a best-case scenario for the Chiefs’ front office, which fully committed to fixing the offensive line after a brutal loss in Super Bowl LV where the unit was completely exposed in pass protection. Every position up-front fielded a new starter in 2021, with the two rookies on the list being the crown jewel of what has proven to be a rejuvenated group this season. They even managed to become just the third pair of rookies to start every game in their inaugural season for the franchise.
Congrats to the rookies @creed_humphrey & @TreySmith73 🤝 pic.twitter.com/i4SQQOagbu
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 8, 2022
Smith may not have led the league with his 72.1 composite grade on the interior, but his presence was felt all season, especially given his status as a sixth-round draft pick. For his part too, expectations were relatively low for Humphrey, who was the Chiefs’ second second-round pick after standout linebacker Nick Bolton.
All eyes are on the young linemen as the fast-approaching playoffs are on the horizon. Whether they can keep MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright or not will likely be key to Kansas City’s fortune in elimination games, and will be the true test of any accolade they may have gotten for their performances in the regular season.
If the recognition is any indication though, both rookies should be up to the task and ready to make their presence felt at every turn when their team has the ball.
