Baltimore, MD — June 10, 2025
Derrick Henry may have just posted one of the most dominant seasons of his storied career, but the Baltimore Ravens are already planning for what comes next. According to Pro Football Network’s Mark Stolte, Baltimore is projected to select Penn State standout Nicholas Singleton in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft — and it could signal a changing of the guard in the backfield.
Henry, who rushed for 1,921 yards and a league-best 16 touchdowns in his Ravens debut, earned his fifth Pro Bowl nod and a fresh two-year extension this offseason. But at 32 years old heading into the 2025 campaign, Baltimore knows the clock is ticking on their bell cow’s prime. Enter Singleton, a rising star with a bruising style that mirrors much of what makes Henry great.
In 2024, Singleton racked up 1,099 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 375 yards and five scores through the air. Known for his explosive cuts and tackle-breaking ability, Singleton averaged seven yards per carry against non-stacked boxes — a stat that Ravens fans should note, especially in Todd Monken’s spacing-oriented offense.
“Singleton might not have Henry’s frame, but his physicality and ability to create after contact make him a natural fit in Baltimore’s power scheme,” Stolte wrote.
Baltimore’s backfield currently features Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell behind Henry, but both are seen as change-of-pace options rather than lead backs. Singleton would offer the kind of dual-threat punch that’s become essential in today’s NFL, especially if Henry’s workload starts to taper.
If this prediction comes true, it likely means the Ravens fall just short of their ultimate goal in 2025 — another playoff run that ends before the Super Bowl. But a pick like Singleton would signal that Baltimore is serious about keeping its ground game elite for years to come.
And make no mistake: in a league that increasingly values versatility and youth at the position, the Ravens may be ready to reload before they’re forced to rebuild.
