The NFL Draft is a pressure cooker for prospects, but sometimes the spotlight swings onto the reporters covering it. ESPN's premier insider, Adam Schefter, found himself in an unexpected social media firestorm this week after a glaring error in his report on Penn State running back Nick Singleton.
Schefter accurately reported that Singleton, who broke his foot at the Senior Bowl, has been medically cleared to run again and projects as a mid-round pick. The news itself was solid. The problem? The photo attached to the post wasn't of Singleton at all. Instead, Schefter used a picture of Cordell Mitchell, a Penn State running back from the late 1990s.
The mistake did not go unnoticed. The internet, as it does, pounced. Fans flooded the replies with a mix of confusion and humor. "I genuinely want to know how you made this mistake," wrote one user, while another joked, "Adam dropping the wrong pic again… but hey, at least the foot’s cleared. Mid round glass slipper RB incoming." The blunder highlighted how even the most established insiders aren't immune to a classic case of mistaken identity, especially with the frenzy of draft week building.
The roasting reached its peak when Penn State Football's official social media account decided to join the fun. Seizing the moment, they posted a highlight clip of Cordell Mitchell breaking off a long touchdown run with the caption: "Heard a scoop Nick Singleton is back. One of our favorite runs." The playful troll from the university itself turned a simple reporting error into a viral moment, proving that in the digital age, no mistake is too small for the court of public opinion.
For Singleton, the focus should be on his promising recovery and draft stock. A productive back with over 3,400 rushing yards and 54 total touchdowns at Penn State, his recent injury had been a concern for teams. Schefter's report on his clearance was the key takeaway for scouts, but the photo fiasco completely overshadowed it. This incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny media figures face, where every detail in a post is dissected.
This isn't the first time draft coverage has generated unexpected headlines. From controversial interview questions to analysts landing major broadcast roles, the story around the story often captures attention. Schefter's mix-up is a lighter, if embarrassing, chapter in that tradition.
As for what's next, all eyes will be on Singleton during the draft itself. When his name is called—likely sometime on Day 2 or early Day 3—you can bet the social media reaction will be swift. Many are already predicting a fresh wave of jokes and memes referencing Schefter's blunder, ensuring this story has a second life when the prospect finally hears his name.
In the high-stakes world of NFL news breaking, accuracy is currency. While the core information was correct, this visual misstep shows how quickly narrative can shift. For now, Schefter will likely take the ribbing in stride as the sports world quickly moves on to the next headline, with the real draft chaos still to come. But in the lead-up to one of the league's biggest events, it's a memorable reminder to always double-check your sources—and your photos.
