Ranking the Buffalo Bills deep group of running backs

4. Devin Singletary

Selecting Devin Singletary at No. 74 overall despite adding three running backs before the draft was viewed as controversial. Many would’ve liked to see a receiver taken at the position, and rightfully so. But, I’m not the first tell you, Singletary was an excellent value pick.

With three running backs ahead of him, the FAU product likely won’t see starters snaps until 2020. Brandon Beane didn’t draft him to be their running back of the present; instead, he appears to be their plan for the future. Considering that the team has just Singeltary and T.J. Yeldon on contract after next season, that notion becomes truer.

Though Singletary measures in at just 5-foot-7, 203-pounds and ran a 4.66 second 40-yard-dash at the combine, he has the upside to be a bell-cow back down the line. Despite being considered as smaller and a bit less athletic, Singletary was able to produce easily in the college ranks. In three years for the FAU Owls, he ran for 4,260 yards and 66 touchdowns on an average of 5.9 YPC.

Singletary’s production stems from his game that is, in every sense, built to run the ball. As a ball-carrier, his vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage can get him out of tough situations. To help him do so, he possesses an array of elusive moves and quick feet to get him out of a pickle.

Despite being a smaller back, Singletary doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s a physical runner; as a blocker, he brings effort on every rep. But, he has a ways to go to be the Bills’ bell-cow. Although his footwork is quick, it will need to be more refined to negate for his lack of size and speed. As for receiving, he has the hands to be effective, but he ran limiting routes at FAU at a low rate.

Nonetheless, the Bills appear to have drafted a contributor in Singletary. Whether he adds to the team now, or in the future, is at the hands of his development.