Scouting Spotlight: Creed Humphrey & Joseph Ossai

Greetings Faithful! The Scouting Spotlight returns with a look at a versatile offensive lineman and a defensive edge prospect who could be intriguing second-round options. The 49ers must address the offensive line before the draft concludes. It’s great to have Trent Williams back, but having too much depth along the offensive line should ALWAYS be the goal. I love the idea of adding more talent along the edge, opposite of Nick Bosa. Let’s take a closer look at these two draft prospects.

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Creed Humphrey, Center/Guard – Oklahoma
Height: 6’4” – Weight: 302 lbs.

PROS:

One of the most versatile linemen in this draft, and I must admit, one of my favorite prospects as well.

Creed Humphrey is what the 49ers should be looking to add to an already talented unit. Humphrey has the experience, maturity, and leadership abilities, and served as team captain for two seasons. He has fluid and smooth footwork, and moves well both vertically and laterally along the line.

He finishes his blocks with a physical presence and tone, while using his hips to position himself to finish and complete blocks against oncoming pass rushers.

Humphrey recovers quickly when put in a vulnerable spot. He’s sufficient and capable in both the run and pass protection game and has the capabilities and long-term outlook to be a cornerstone of the unit for years to come!

CONS:

From a physical standpoint, his arms measured short for players at his position. Watching the film, you can see that he sometimes gives up ground on a bull-rush of oncoming pass-rushers. Not the strongest drive blocker at the point of attack and certainly needs some room for seasoning and growth in this area. Longer defenders with length and wingspan can sometimes can the better of Humphrey in the one-to-one match-ups along the line.

Final Thoughts:

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Humphrey is far from a perfect prospect, but the more I watch him, the more I see an excellent fit with the 49ers. He also happens to fill a position of need, even with Alex Mack in town. Humphrey could play guard and then shift over to center after Mack’s time is up, which could be sooner rather than later. After the 49ers take their QB of the future on night one, it would serve them right to get him long-term protection. That is how you build championship teams and extend title windows long-term.

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Joseph Ossai, Edge – Texas
Height: 6’4” – Weight: 256 lbs.

PROS:

Ossai has the durability and a motor that is ready to go for four quarters. He doesn’t let up or lose steam as the game wears on.

Ossai will push hard with initial burst off the line at the snap and uses speed and agility towards the football. He showcases many moves along the edge such as twists and side-and-swim.

Ossai plays with a violent and physical brand of football against high-flying offenses of the Big 12. He has a knack for the football, and on a number of occasions and caused strip sacks and chaos behind the line of scrimmage.

Ossai uses an upward strike and his long arms to cause disruption and bust up plays behind the line of scrimmage.

CONS:

He can play tight and needs to loosen up with his initial strides. Ossai needs to find more fluidly through his hips in his motion. He can be overmatched against blockers in the running game, often being taken out of the play and or out of position. While I love his motor, he doesn’t have that demon, straight-line speed that can constantly beat blockers along the edge. This is perhaps the number one reason keeping him out of the first round. He needs to find more proper balance and trust the foundation he has.

Final Thoughts:

Joseph Ossai could be a great fit for the 49ers with the current foundation and core they have along the line. I don’t think you can count on Ossai to be the focal point or leading pass rusher on the team. Where you get the value in Ossai is plugging him in to be a supporting role player who can impact along with the likes of Nick Bosa, Kinlaw, and Armstead. I’m really curious where the team stands on the current edge players in this draft. With so much attention on the QB pick in round 1, the team shouldn’t forget perhaps the next most important position on the field. The one who goes after the QB!

What are your thoughts on Creed Humphrey? Is he the fit the 49ers seek at the guard/center position? Could Ossai be successful with a strong supporting cast along the defensive line? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!