2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Tyler Lawrence
3 days ago
3 min read

Name: Nicholas Singleton

Position: Running Back

School: Penn State University

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 225 lbs

Class: Senior (2025 season)

Hometown: Governor Mifflin, PA

High School: Governor Mifflin High School

Recruiting Rank: 5-star recruit, #17 overall, #1 RB nationally in 2022 class (247Sports Composite)

Draft Projections:

• Pro Football Network → 1st–2nd round, Top 50 overall, RB2–3 (December 2025)

• PFF → Late 1st–early 2nd, elite athletic profile

• NFL Draft Buzz → Round 1–2, #2–4 RB

• ESPN (Mel Kiper) → #2 RB behind Jeremiyah Love

• The Draft Network → Round 1 potential with elite testing

• Consensus → Late Day 1–early Day 2 (Rounds 1–2), RB2–3; widely viewed as the most athletic RB in class

Career Background

A consensus five-star and the nation’s top RB recruit, Nicholas Singleton burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2022, sharing Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors with Kaytron Allen (1,062 yards, 12 TDs). He continued as part of Penn State’s elite tandem through 2025, flashing explosive traits but often splitting carries. In his senior year, Singleton posted career-best efficiency while Kaytron Allen set the all-time rushing record. Despite consistent big-play production and elite athleticism, he never had a true feature workload. Singleton declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in mid-December 2025.

(Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Career Stats

• 2022 (Freshman): 156 carries, 1,062 yards, 12 TDs (6.8 YPC); 11 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD

• 2023 (Sophomore): 171 carries, 890 yards, 8 TDs (5.2 YPC)

• 2024 (Junior): ~190 carries, ~1,000 yards, 8 TDs

• 2025 (Senior): ~185 carries, ~1,050 yards, 10 TDs (~5.7 YPC); ~15 receptions

• Career Totals (4 Seasons): ~702 carries, ~4,002 yards, ~38 rush TDs; low receiving volume; Penn State top-5 all-time rusher

Advanced Stats (2025, PFF/cross-referenced):

• PFF Overall Grade → ~88–90 (elite when on field)

• Yards Per Carry → ~5.7 (strong efficiency)

• Forced Missed Tackles → High rate (elite burst/elusiveness)

• Yards After Contact → Strong (~3.8+ per attempt; top-tier)

• Breakaway Run Rate → Elite (multiple 50+ yard runs)

• Explosive Plays → Frequent (top percentile big-play threat)

• Receiving Grade → Functional

• Pass Protection → Solid but limited exposure

Awards and Accolades

High School:

• Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year

• Multiple state records

College:

• Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2022, shared)

• Multiple All-Big Ten honors (First/Second-Team)

• Consistent 100+ yard games and explosive performances

Character and Leadership

Singleton is praised for humility, work ethic, and professionalism in a shared backfield. No off-field issues; viewed as a quiet leader who never complained about touches. His decision to return for senior year and declare reflects maturity and team-first mentality.

Injuries

Minor issues early but no major injuries; highly durable across four seasons.

Play Style

Singleton is an explosive, athletic runner with rare combination of size, burst, and long speed. He presses holes with patience, then explodes through with violent cuts and elite acceleration. Home-run threat on any touch; finishes with power despite smooth style. Functional receiver; willing in protection. Comp include Jonathan Taylor (burst/power blend).

Strengths

1. Elite Athleticism — Size-speed-burst combo; sub-4.4 projection, rare acceleration.

2. Explosive Play Ability — Consistent 50+ yard runs; instant house-call threat.

3. Vision & Burst — Quick processor; decisive plant-and-go through creases.

4. Contact Balance — Absorbs hits, keeps feet; gains YAC with power.

5. Untapped Upside — Never had 250+ carry season; massive ceiling with volume.

Weaknesses

1. Workload Experience — Timeshare limited bell-cow reps; unproven at 300+ touches.

2. Receiving Versatility — Capable but underutilized; limited route tree exposure.

3. Pass Protection Polish — Willing but occasional technique/recognition lapses.

4. Consistency in Traffic — Occasional hesitation vs. cluttered interiors.

5. Ball Security — Minor fumble concerns early career (cleaned up later).

Final Evaluation

Nicholas Singleton is the most athletically gifted RB in the 2026 class, blending elite size, burst, and long speed into a potential franchise back. Cross-referencing PFN, PFF, and NFL Draft Buzz underscores his explosive traits and untapped ceiling as Round 1–2 separators, with workload sharing as the primary question mark. In vertical or zone schemes, Singleton has true three-down, Pro Bowl upside (Jonathan Taylor ceiling) if given feature touches. Elite Combine performance could cement late Round 1 status; he projects as a high-impact starter capable of transforming offenses early.