Nicholas Singleton NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Penn State RB
HEIGHT: 6'1"
WEIGHT: 226
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POSITIVES
— Outstanding burst/acceleration to reach top speed quickly and outrun pursuit angles to the perimeter.
— Runs with an angry demeanor; expect him to lower his shoulder upon contact and finish runs falling forward.
— Talented and versatile receiving back, able to hurt defenses at multiple levels.
— Good contact balance and body control while fighting through initial defensive contact.
NEGATIVES
— Lateral agility for jump cuts to quickly escape trouble rushing between the tackles.
— Lacks creativity as a runner, he does not showcase elusiveness to break defenders down one-on-one.
— Consistency with reading and processing information while approaching the LOS
NOTES
— Born Jan. 6, 2004
— 5-Star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports
— 2023 Third-Team All Big-Ten
— 2022 Third-Team All Big-Ten
OVERALL
Nicholas Singleton is an explosive athlete who checks all of the boxes to become a complete running back on Sundays.
Singleton runs with an easy burst and acceleration. He outruns second-level pursuing defenders to the perimeter. He changes gears with relative ease, quickly reaching top speed. Singleton has a final gear to pull away from defenders down the field, creating explosive runs. He is a home run threat at all times. Per Bruce Feldman's list, he has reportedly hit 23.6 mph on the GPS while improving his 40 time from 4.39 to 4.35.
As a runner, Singleton excels when his shoulders are squared forward and allowed to attack downhill. He runs hard behind his pads with intentions of falling forward upon contact with a defender. He has a strong leg drive to push piles and power forward. As a result of his speed-to-power conversion, Singleton is difficult to tackle up high. Defenders are more successful attacking his legs/base.
Singleton is a weapon in the passing game as a receiver and blocker. He surveys the line of scrimmage to identify free runners quickly. Singleton's pass-pro technique is consistent and effective. He squares up and strikes with power to stonewall incoming defenders. Singleton is a dynamic receiving weapon out of the backfield. He runs good routes from multiple alignments, even out of the slot. His ball tracking is impressive for an RB.
Singleton lacks good lateral agility and movement abilities. His jump cuts after pressing the LOS are average at best. Singleton can get caught in the wash of the bodies at the LOS and limited to a minimal gain. Creativity is an area of struggle for Singleton—he is not an overly elusive runner to break down alley defenders one-on-one. He relies on speed, athleticism, and upper-body strength to defeat solo defenders.
Overall, Nicholas Singleton is an athletically talented three-down running back. His near-complete skill set fits more of a gap scheme offense than pure zone. He is versatile enough to find success in both offensive concepts. Singleton has breakaway speed and best attacks the line of scrimmage with his shoulders squared. In a gap scheme with pin/pull concepts, Singleton will bring explosive playmaking to his offense.
GRADE: 7.5 (Potential Impact Player — Second Round)
OVERALL RANK: 49
POSITION RANK: RB4
PRO COMPARISON: David Johnson
Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
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