Nicholas Singleton | Penn State | 6’0” 219 lbs. | 01/06/2004 (Age 22)

Nicholas Singleton was drafted 165th overall by the Tennessee Titans, becoming the 7th running back and 165th overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

In his high school career, Singleton recorded 116 touchdowns and 6,326 rushing yards. As a senior, Singleton rushed for 2,043 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns while being named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year. A five-star recruit ranked the top running back in his class, he committed to play college football at Penn State University over offers from Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. As a freshman in 2022, Singleton led Penn State in rushing yards (941) and rushing touchdowns (10), while being named the Thompson–Randle El Freshman of the Year. He averaged 25.8 yards per kickoff return, including a 100-yard kickoff return against Rutgers, and he was named to the Second-team All-Big Ten as a kick returner. On January 29, 2026, it was announced that Singleton would require surgery to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot, having suffered the injury during a Senior Bowl practice.

FILM

STRENGTHS

• Elite Speed & Acceleration: He is a dynamic threat with explosive burst, capable of reaching top speed instantly and outrunning defenders, often hitting high speeds in the open field.
• Physical, Downhill Runner: He brings a “bruising” style with excellent contact balance, frequently breaking arm tackles and running with authority, aided by top-tier strength (e.g., strong lifting numbers).
• Receiving Versatility: He is a natural pass-catcher out of the backfield, comfortable running routes from the slot or wide, making him a valuable asset for a three-down role.
• Pass Protection: He has shown solid ability to anchor and absorb blitzers, displaying the necessary technique and desire to protect the quarterback.
• Big Play Ability: A proven home-run hitter who can score from anywhere on the field, especially in one-cut and zone-heavy schemes. 

WEAKNESSES 

• Limited Lateral Agility: Film indicates a “linear” running style with stiff hips, resulting in a lack of “wiggle” to make defenders miss in tight spaces.
• Inconsistent Vision & Patience: He sometimes relies too much on his speed, missing developing lanes or forcing runs that aren’t there, rather than being patient.
• Performance Inconsistency: After a stellar 2024, his 2025 season saw a drop in production and broken tackle efficiency, leading to concerns about year-to-year consistency.
• Overly Upright Running: At times, he runs with high pads, allowing defenders to grab him more easily rather than using his size for leverage.

Dynasty rookie draft season is here. DFF annual subscribers get exclusive access to our Dynasty Rookie Guide — analytic model scores, film reviews, and trait breakdowns for every key prospect. Click the image above to become an annual subscriber today and make every pick count.

ATHLETIC TESTING

Sadly, he missed the NFL Combine and his Pro Day due to his injury at the Combine. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Surprised.

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Great.

Singleton was selected with the 165th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Singleton was projected late 3rd/early 4th before the draft. I think he would have ended up late Round 2 or early Round 3 if he could have shown off his athleticism. In your rookie drafts, he is more than likely an early third-round pick. Although he slid in the NFL Draft, he still is one of the best running backs in this class, and he should have every opportunity to battle for the starting spot. 

Thank you for tuning in to DFF’s 2026 NFL Draft Coverage! As we break down every fantasy-relevant pick, make sure you have the tools to dominate your rookie draft with the DFF Dynasty Control Room. Engineered by Experts. Trusted by Champions.

Sync your Sleeper leagues, manage your portfolios, track your startup and rookie drafts in real time, find winning deals with the Trade Finder, analyze your roster with the League Analyzer, lock in value with the Dynasty Trade Calculator, and so much more. Whether you’re preparing for rookie draft season or looking to secure another key piece for a contending run, the DFF Dynasty Control Room gives you the edge to win big.

Click the image below to try it out for FREE for a limited time only!

I hope you enjoyed reading my article. My goal is to provide actionable advice you can utilize to improve your dynasty team. You can follow me on Twitter @joshreedy5. #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting