Rookie Report Card: Devin Singletary and Jakobi Meyers

Each week throughout the season, I’ll cover at least two rookies in the Rookie Report Card and try to always include the biggest performers from that particular week. On top of reviewing my expectations for each player coming into the league and how well he’s lived up to those expectations at the NFL level to this point, I’ll grade the player in three categories. Those categories are performance to date, 2019 potential and long term upside.

The series continues this week as we take a close look at rookies Devin Singletary and Jakobi Meyers.

Devin Singletary, RB BUF

Week 12 Stats: 21 carries, 106 yards, one reception, 8 receiving yards (two targets)

After finishing up a brilliant three year college career at Florida Atlantic where he ran for 4,287 yards and 66 touchdowns, many dynasty owners were enamored with Singletary, especially his explosiveness with the ball in his hands. Watching him in college, he appeared to be just as skilled as a between-the-tackles runner as he was on the perimeter despite his 5’-7”, 200 pound frame. Known for his smooth slide step and for slipping through the smallest of running lanes, he profiled as a potential early down runner. With good awareness to find open areas in the passing game along with solid hands, many felt he had the upside to become a three-down tailback at the next level.

Then the combine happened.

He had what was seen by most to be an awful showing in Indianapolis. His 4.66 second 40-yard dash was that of a fullback and the 3-cone and 20-yard shuttle portrayed a player that lacked burst and explosiveness. The narrative surrounding Singletary changed from smaller school prospect with big upside to a player that only looked fast because of the competition he was playing with and against in college.

Unfortunately, far too many dynasty owners fell for his lackluster combine as he was regularly being selected in late parts of the second round of dynasty rookie drafts, even with the Bills selecting him as the fifth running back off the board and having only veteran running backs in LeSean McCoy, Frank Gore and TJ Yeldon on their depth chart.