Arizona Cardinals meet with running back prospect

The Arizona Cardinals had a private workout with Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary, a productive player in the C-USA.

With David Johnson, Chase Edmonds, and other inexpensive running backs on the roster, the Arizona Cardinals could still look to upgrade at the position for the right price. They have reportedly looked at Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary for the second time — the first being a combine interview.

According to Chase Goodbread of NFL.com, the Cardinals along with the Rams sent reps to Boca Raton, Fla., to visit with the running back. Running backs coach James Saxon put him through a workout as well. After the workout, Singletary told NFL.com the details of the workout, saying;

"I ran a few routes and took some handoffs for inside and outside zone plays, there wasn’t much to it — We went and watched some tape and they [Cardinals] had me explain what we were doing on certain plays, then they took me to lunch."

He then later acknowledged the Cardinals and Rams interest in him, saying;

"I feel like the Cardinals and Rams thought highly of me — I was able to handle the film stuff and the board work without any hesitation, — Now I just have to impress the Bears the same way"

At 5-7, 203-pounds, Singletary is an undersized back, but it didn’t stop him from producing in the college ranks. In 2018, he rushed 261 times for 1,348 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. Even more impressive; in 2017 he ran for 1,913 yards and 32 touchdowns on 301 attempts. Yes, 32 touchdowns.

But a disappointing performance at the combine including a 4.66-second 40-yard-dash and 7.32-second three-cone-drill might take a hit in his draft stock. He was also expected to be bigger than his 5-7, 203-pound combine measurements.

But, as a runner, Singletary is as fluid as they come. He has excellent vision, patience behind the line, and great anticipation for where blocks will end up. He also possesses the rare combination of a hard-nosed runner with quick feet to evade defenders.

Per Pro Football Focus, the FAU product ranks third in the class in elusive rating with a 138.3, and rate of plays tackled on first contact at 42.8%. He also ranks as the ninth-best running back in pass blocking efficiency with a 98.6 grade.

Ultimately, it’s fair to wonder if the Cardinals are interested in adding another back with as high as a fourth-round pick or if they are doing due diligence on a top prospect. Personally, I’m leaning on the team doing their homework on Singletary as the position is not a current team need. But if Singletary does drop to the sixth-round, don’t be surprised if Steve Keim picks him up.

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