Context:

The Baltimore Ravens signed Derrick Henry in 2024, and he delivered an impressive performance with over 2,100 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns. Despite his success, Henry's future with the team is uncertain as he is 31 and will be a free agent next offseason. In anticipation of his potential decline, CBS Sports predicts the Ravens will draft Nicholas Singleton, a promising running back from Penn State, in 2026. Singleton has shown versatility with 2,912 rushing yards, 768 receiving yards, and 40 touchdowns over his college career. His physical attributes and minimal wear from shared duties position him as a strong candidate to replace Henry if needed.

Dive Deeper:

• Derrick Henry joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2024 after an eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans, achieving over 2,100 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns, narrowly missing out on another rushing title due to Saquon Barkley's exceptional season.

• At 31, Henry's performance remains strong, but concerns about age-related decline and impending free agency create uncertainty about his future with the Ravens if no contract extension is secured.

• CBS Sports analysts Ryan Wilson and Tom Fornelli envision the Ravens drafting Nicholas Singleton from Penn State in 2026 to potentially succeed Henry as the team's primary running back.

• Singleton, a dual-threat player, has amassed 2,912 rushing yards and 768 receiving yards with 40 touchdowns over three years at Penn State, showcasing his capabilities as a versatile offensive weapon.

• Despite sharing playing time with Kaytron Allen, Singleton's limited mileage enhances his longevity and appeal, highlighting his potential as a durable addition to Baltimore's roster.

• Standing at 6-foot and weighing 223 pounds, Singleton combines size, explosiveness, and impressive footwork, enabling him to excel at breaking tackles and contributing to the passing game.

• A strong 2025 season could bolster Singleton's position as a leading candidate in the 2026 draft, offering the Ravens a strategic option to maintain offensive prowess should Henry depart.

• The Baltimore Ravens made a huge splash signing in 2024 when they brought in running back Derrick Henry after his eight-year stint with the Tennessee Titans.

• Henry was everything the Ravens' could've hoped for, as he exploded for over 2,100 yards from scrimmage (1,921 rushing) and scored 18 total touchdowns.

• If not for a historic season from fellow star and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Henry would've won another rushing crown and possibly the Offensive Player of the Year award.

• While Henry has shown no signs of decline, he is 31 years old and that puts him in the danger zone for falling off. On top of that, Henry will also be a free agent next offseason, so his future is murky if he doesn't get an extension.

• In a recent 2026 mock draft, CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson and Tom Fornelli predict the Ravens will draft Henry's replacement in Penn State running back, Nicholas Singleton.

• "Derrick Henry may not ever age out of being a dominant running back, but on the off chance he does, the Ravens plan for the future with Nick Singleton," the pair wrote.

• Over three years at Penn State, Singleton has proven to be a dual-threat running back by posting 2,912 rushing yards, 768 receiving yards and 40 total touchdowns. In his junior season in 2024, the Penn State back tallied career-highs in rushing yards (1,099), receiving yards (375) and total touchdowns (17).

• While his numbers don't jump off the page, it's important to note that Singleton has split a lot of work with Kaytron Allen, but that also means he doesn't have a lot of miles on his legs.

• At 6-foot, 223 pounds, Singleton is a big, explosive back with impressive footwork and vision. He isn't going to make defenders miss much in the open field, but he can break tackles with the best of them and is a plus pass-catcher.

• Assuming he can put together another strong season in 2025, Singleton should be one of the first running backs off the board in 2026. If the Ravens move on from Henry, he could be an option for Baltimore in the first round.

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