The Bills struck gold in running back Devin Singletary. Even Pro Football Focus thinks so.
The football analytics outlet released their top-50 rookies list following the 2019 regular season and Singletary is the lone Buffalo player on the list.
Here’s how PFF breaks his season down and lands him at their No. 45 spot:
45. RB DEVIN SINGLETARY, BUFFALO BILLS
Devin Singletary’s poor receiving prevented him from climbing any higher than 45th on this list, but his production as a rusher is exactly what you want to see. Singletary produced 0.24 missed tackles per rush attempt, the third-best mark among all qualifying running backs in the NFL, and he had the second-highest rate of carries that went for 10 or more yards (16.4%).
While the Bills did get contributions from the likes of DT Ed Oliver, OL Cody Ford and TE Dawson Knox, Singletary stands out for one reason which makes sense as to why he’s on PFF’s list.
Oliver, Ford and Knox had moments, but not the consistency of Singletary, or even rookies of the Bills’ recent past. LB Matt Milano, OL Dion Dawkins and CB Tre’Davious White stepped into the NFL and were steady. Oliver lost his starting spot this season, but still played well. Similar scenarios played out for Ford and Knox.
Back to the man of the hour/ article, Singletary was steady, steady, steady for the Bills. Early in the season he had a hamstring injury and also sat behind Frank Gore. But even in his limited touches, Singletary was dynamic and many clamored for him to get more touches. Eventually he did and took over the starting role. Overall, Singletary had 775 rushing yards and two scored on the ground, along with 29 catches for 194 receiving yards and two more scores in the air.
Singletary has promise. However, Buffao head coach Sean McDermott said at his season-ending press conference that he’s a believer in a two-running back system in the NFL, so whether it’s Gore or someone else, the Bills could look to add a back this offseason.
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