NFL Draft Profile: Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary

Today we take a closer look at Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary as a possible Day 3 gem and steal for the 49ers backfield.

Greetings Faithful! We are back with another scouting report! Today, it’s the offensive side of the football and the running back position. Currently the San Francisco 49ers have quite the bit of talent in the backfield. This includes break out star Matt Breida, along with Jeffrey Wilson, 2019 free agent acquisition Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon—who is coming back from an ACL injury, Matthew Dayes, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Will the 49ers look to add more depth to the position via 2019 NFL Draft? There isn’t a position that gets more beat up and plagued by injuries than running backs, just look to 2018 if you want proof.

If the 49ers decide to invest a pick at the running back position it won’t be until the later rounds— Day 3 at the earliest. Today, we are going to examine and take a closer look at Florida Atlantic product and running Devin Singletary. Let’s see how the former Owl can be a great addition to the 49ers backfield. And before you ask, no, he’s no relation to former 49ers head coach Mike Singletary.

Combine Results:

40 Yard Dash: 4.66
Bench Press: 15 Reps
Vertical Jump: 35.0”
Broad Jump: 117.0”
3 Cone Drill: 7.32
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.40

Measurables:

Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Weight: 203 pounds
Hands: 8 ½”
Arms: 28 7/8”

Summary:

Devin Singletary made the most of his time at Florida Atlantic, even electing to forgo his senior season and enter the 2019 NFL Draft. Something we don’t often see with small school prospects. Last season Singletary earned first-team all-conference honors leading the league with 261 carriers while recording 1,348 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 22 touchdowns which placed him amongst the nation’s leaders.

He is a bit undersized, but plays physical and has the capabilities of being a three down contributor as shown in his time with Florida Atlantic.

The large amounts of high-end production from Singletary can transition with him to the pro level. He has a nose for the end zone, and produces power in and around the goal line. I happen to really like Singletary’s patience and vision when carrying the football.

He will process and adjust on the spot as needed when traffic and defenders are approaching. Has twitchy and quick feet with the ability to cut and change direction to throw defenders off balance.

Takes on initial contact well, and often is able to produce yards after that first contact is made. On film, Singletary has demonstrated an ability to produce lateral jump-cuts. When cutting and adjusting, Singletary will pick up the speed as to avoid tacklers. Singletary will play bigger than his size, and his game speed is faster than you think it is. He has the ability to catch the football and create separation in the backfield.

On passing downs Singletary has demonstrated his abilities in pass protection often following through on his assignments and producing some worthy hits in the process. If there are any last concerns about his size, on multiple occasions, Singletary has proven his ability to withstand powerful hits and even break tackles to produce additional yards on some of those hits. In other words, Singletary passes the toughness test for running backs! Oh, and by the way, there is a reason why his nickname is Motor!

Is Devin Singletary a fit for the 49ers?

First, I get it…the 49ers backfield is as crowded as ever. Let me just get that out of the way just so it has been acknowledged. With that said, no position falls victim to the injury bug more than running backs. Kyle Shanahan loves the running game and will utilize as many looks and options as he can. I believe Devin Singletary can check off two big boxes for the 49ers. One, his abilities on the goal line and in the red zone have been a thing of beauty to watch during his collegiate career, and that can be quite valuable to a 49ers team who needs all the help they can get in the red zone. Two, is Singletary’s ability to create additional yards after the initial contact has been made as well as in the open field, and serving as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Here’s another thought…perhaps the front office and coaching staff don’t envision a future with a current member or two in the team’s backfield. That would certainly pave a path for the team to select a ball carrier on Day 3 which is exactly where I see Devin Singletary going. If the 49ers go this route then perhaps Devin Singletary can be an option for them.

What are your thoughts on Devin Singletary? If the 49ers decide to invest a late day three pick on a running back, is Singletary your choice? Is there another running back that you’re targeting on day three?