2026 NFL Scouting Report: Nick Singleton

Prospect Summary:

Under head coach James Franklin, Penn State has produced a lot of excellent talent for the NFL, and Singleton should carry on that tradition in the 2026 NFL Draft. Singleton combines size, athleticism, quickness, and versatility to look like a potential starting running back at the pro level. In 2024, Singleton ran well for the Nittany Lions, averaging 6.4 yards per carry for 1,099 yards with 12 touchdowns. He was also a nice contributor as a receiver out of the backfield with 41 catches for 375 yards with five touchdowns. Singleton flashed in previous seasons while splitting carries. In 2023, he averaged 4.4 yards per carry for 752 yards with eight scores. That season, he caught 26 passes for 308 yards with two touchdowns. Singleton was very impressive as a freshman when he averaged 6.8 yards per carry for 1,061 yards with 12 touchdowns. He caught 11 passes for 85 yards and a score. In 2026, the wheels came off for the Penn State football team, and Franklin was fired. Singleton, along with other players, was unable to get into a productive rhythm with the program in turmoil. In 2025, Singleton averaged 4.5 yards per carry for 549 yards with 13 touchdowns. He had 24 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown.

For the NFL, Singleton is a well-rounded back who can attack defenses in a variety of ways. He has a strong build and is a physical runner who shows the strength to pick up yards after contact. Singleton has the strength to push through tacklers and finishes runs well, delivering hits to defenders and falling forward for additional yardage. At the second level, Singleton is a problem for defensive backs as he will run through them and punish them for attempting to get him to the ground. Singleton has good knee bend to run behind his pads and shows enough speed to open it up when he breaks free. While Singleton does not have elite speed for the NFL like Jahmyr Gibbs, Singleton can hit the hole before it closes and accelerate to the second level. Singleton has a natural skill set as a runner with good vision, one-cut downhill ability, patience, and some elusiveness to weave through the defense.

Along with being the engine of a rushing attack, Singleton can contribute to the passing offense as well. He has good hands and shows natural ability as a catcher. He runs quality routes, is smooth in space, and is dangerous after the catch. Like any college player, Singleton will need to learn some blitz protection, but the potential is there for him to handle those duties.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, Singleton could be a third or fourth-round pick. He does not have exceptional traits but is a well-rounded back. He could potentially develop into an NFL starter. Check out my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see where Singleton is projected.