Buffalo Bills add youth to aging backfield with Devin Singletary

The Buffalo Bills selected Devin Singletary from Florida Atlantic University with the No. 74 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Amidst a tear-jerking tribute to superfan Pancho Billa, the Buffalo Bills addressed their running back situation.

The combination of LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore combined to become the oldest running back duo but the Bills added youth in Devin Singletary. During his 2018 season at FAU, the 5-foot-7 back recorded 261 carries for 1,348 yards (5.2 average) and 22 touchdowns, earning him first-team all-conference honors.

Before FAU, Singletary committed to play at the University of Illinois but the Deerfield Beach, Florida native ultimately decided to stay home and become an Owl. In his inaugural season with FAU, Singletary became an instant integral piece of the offense with 1,021 yards and 12 touchdowns on 152 carries (6.7 average) and 163 yards on 26 receptions.

From first glance, Singletary has the speed to be a highly productive touchdown machine for the Bills, pending his position on the depth chart. He possesses instant access to acceleration as he can move his 200-pound frame into the secondary and beyond within seconds of being handed the ball.

Additionally, Singletary is able to shrug off the initial contact he is faced with which allows him to not take big hits and gain extra yards after contact.

On the flip side, there is a word of caution that comes with Singletary for the exact same reason that makes him worthy of the 74th pick. During his collegiate career at FAU, Singletary has withstood “600 contact-filled touches over the last two seasons” per NFL.com’s draft profile on the running back.

Though this can present longevity issues, the pieces the Bills brought in on the offensive front through free agency and with their second-round pick in Cody Ford, longevity and durability are in his favor.