Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
Size:
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 223 lbs
Accomplishments:
Third-Team All-Big Ten (2023) • Five-star recruit
“Nick Singleton’s blend of high-level vision and explosiveness showcases one of the 2026 NFL Draft’s more skilled ball-carriers.”
Strengths:
Footwork
Projectability as a pass-catcher
Finds ways to gain extra yards
High-level vision
Little wasted movement
Concerns:
Agility in the open field
Occasionally too patient
Foot turnover to quickly reach top-end speed
Film Analysis:
Nick Singleton enters the pre-draft process with experience as both a bellcow back and rotational ball-carrier inside the Penn State offense. Singleton enjoyed higher amounts of success in his 2024 junior campaign compared to last season but has not been able to match the excitement toward his game that followed after his 1,057-yard freshman season. This fall, Singleton’s workload increased as a pass-catcher in space, showcasing an intriguing profile for teams interested in him becoming a versatile, three-down impact player.
Experienced operating in both zone and gap fronts, Nicholas Singleton touts the vision and contact balance to consistently churn out yardage. He’s a physically strong athlete who operates with excellent pad level and ideal leg drive when met with contact.
Inside the tackles, Singleton is patient to allow blocks to develop, but will not hesitate to attack even the smallest of creases. Wastes little time and movement when he IDs an alley. Explosive after the mesh point and sneaks up on linebackers late to work into a run fit.
Outside the tackles, Singleton keeps his options open—he’ll follow an offensive tackle downfield or quickly cut back inside if an alley is occupied. Good vision to jump-cut and attack a variety of holes no matter what side of the line of scrimmage the run is designed toward.
As a pass-catcher, Singleton showcased well in 2024, displaying a progressive skill set. His route tree has remained limited, but he’s shown the necessary improvement to warrant more touches and snaps on the outside. Comfortable hands (caught 37 of 41 targets in 2024) and is quick to secure the football and work upfield. Will outrun less athletic secondary defenders. When asked to stay in and protect, Singleton showcases an unwavering desire to stick his body in the way in pass pro. You can classify him as advanced in that facet as he is quick to ID free runners and slide to the opposite side of the QB if need be.
Concerns remain about his agility and ability to make defenders miss both as a ball-carrier and in the open field as a pass-catcher. He does not have a knack for making defenders miss. Often looks to outrun pursuit angles and turn the corner. Good, not elite speed. Physical and well-put-together athlete but strength does not show consistently when met with contact. Plays with an inconsistent pad level at times, leaving large amounts of surface area for defenders to target.
Overall, Singleton projects as a talent with a fresh amount of tread on the tires after splitting carries with teammate Kaytron Allen for the entirety of his career in the Big Ten. Singleton has a blend of high-level vision and explosiveness, coupled with an evolving ceiling as a pass-catcher, showcasing one of the 2025 NFL Draft’s more projectable ball-carriers.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Ohio State (2024), Oregon (2024), Maryland (2023), USC (2024), Ohio State (2023), Michigan (2023), Michigan State (2023), Ohio State (2022)
