Continuing this series, where I highlight my top ten favorite running backs from the upcoming NFL draft class, the current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears. Remember, these are NOT fantasy rankings or even who I think will get drafted in order but simply my top backs based on tape, measurables, production and my own personal taste.
#6: Nick Singleton – Penn State- WORKHORSE
Nicholas Singleton is a RB that I anticipated would compete for the #1 spot on this list a year ago only to find himself just outside of my top 5. A combination of tape, production and inconsistency caused the slide for this physical specimen but make no mistake – his potential is vast. Perhaps even more so than Mike Washington Jr.
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The real question is why isn’t Singleton – the new record holder for most TDs (55), rushing TDs (45) for a RB and all-purpose yards ever at Penn State – even higher on this list? A fair question, no doubt. Even more so when considering the 6’0”220lb freak-of-nature also bested Saquon Barkley’s all-time school squat RB record with a 665lb back squat AND the bench press record with a super-human 435lb rep. But strength isn’t his only asset either as Singleton was reported to have run a 4.35 forty yard dash on campus, just .02 slower than Saquon’s reported school time.
Again, make no mistake. Singleton is as physically gifted as any other RB of this century. The biggest issue is consistency but truth be told, I am also not a huge fan of his vision and ball-security.
After bursting onto the scene as a true Freshman for 1,061 yards with an insane 6.8 yard average and a school Freshman record 12 rushing TDs, Singleton struggled the following year with three fumbles and a paltry 4.4 yard average. He bounced back his Junior season in a big way where he really showcased his receiving prowess. Not only did he once again notch 12 rush TDs, over 1,000 yards and over a 6 yard per carry average, but Singleton also secured 41 receptions for 375 yards and another 5 scores while only fumbling 1 time despite a career high in touches (213) for a season. But it was how he performed when the season mattered most as a Junior that got me most excited about him. In the Nittany Lions final 4 games of the ‘24 season against #1 ranked Oregon, #11 ranked SMU, #3 ranked Boise State and #7 ranked Notre Dame, Singleton averaged 91.5 rushing yards per game with over a 7 yard per carry average and 1.25 TDs a game in addition to 2 catches and just over 20 receiving yards a game and .25 receiving TDs per game.
Then his senior season happened where Singleton firmly took backseat to running mate Kaytron Allen and while he still was able to reach the endzone 14 times (13 rushing), he recorded his lowest yardage total per game both as a runner and receiver and his yards per carry dropped back down to 4.5 yards. Considering he has spent his whole collegiate career sharing the backfield with Allen and the big Junior year Singleton had, I was both surprised and disappointed. Was it an injury? Or perhaps decreased drive and/or urgency in his Senior season, especially as Penn State fell out of contention early? Who knows, but if Mr. Singleton is ever going to reach his full potential as a pro, those questions certainly need to be answered.
Pro Comp: Zach Charbonnet
Singleton: 6’0”, 219lb, 4.39* forty, 31” arms, 9 3/8” hands, 25 bench
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Charbonnet: 6’0”, 214lb, 4.53 forty, 32”arms, 9 7/8” hands, 18 bench
Though I must point out the biggest difference between these two backs is their speed, their play styles are extremely similar in my opinion. While Charbonnet is the lighter of the two and doesn’t bench as much, I see him as the more aggressive and physical back between them. Either way, both are decisive runners who lack the agility in tight spaces to make defenders miss – instead choosing to run through arm/shoulder tackles if they can’t outrun them or stiff-arm their way free. Additionally, both backs have an above average to advanced route tree and softer than normal hands for a RB, though Singleton is far superior in both regards. In terms of pass blocking, Charbs was more advanced entering the league, but not by too much. Something that Singleton should absolutely improve upon with good coaching. Charbonnet is also the more consistent back when it comes to ball security with only 2 fumbles throughout his college career and none so far as a pro. Meanwhile, Singleton put the ball on the ground 7 times in his college career so must improve on that if he wants to take the next step as a pro.
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As for their roles, both have successfully settled into more of a goal-line vulture including Singleton despite his deep speed. Of Charbonnet’s 12 rushing TDs this past season, 9 were within 5 yards of the goal line. As a Senior, Singleton scored 11 such TDs from within 5 yards of the goal line and his longest TD run was only 11 yards after ripping off an 87 yard score as a true Freshman. Clearly both can be trusted to score from close range.
All in all, Charbonnet was drafted in the 2nd round (52 overall) in the 2023 NFL draft and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Singleton go in a similar range considering his elite size/speed and receiving skills. He is another rookie RB who could become an instant All-Pro kick returner and take over the starting RB spot sooner than later. Or fail to make an impact or crack the lineup in regular fashion. Time will tell, but landing spot will be critical.
Here are some clips of each.
Fit for Bears? Yes.
Another RB who could step right in as elite kick returner and compete for snaps in our backfield, I think Ben Johnson would absolutely be enamored with his receiving skills and big play potential. Get him in space and see what happens. The problem is I don’t think Chicago will be looking to invest in a RB where he is likely to land in the 2nd or 3rd round. If he slips to the 4th, he would be overwhelmingly enticing to add to this offense. Especially one that features so many outside zone runs where he can put one foot in the ground and outrun the defense. Singleton is one of the more fascinating prospects and I cannot wait to see his career unfold.
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What do you think about this polarizing prospect from State College? Worthy of a 2nd or 3rd round pick for The Beloved?BChuk’s Backs:
10 – Kaelon Black, Indiana
9 – Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
8 – Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
7 – Noah Whittington, Oregon