Lew Nichols III scouting report: Central Michigan RB might be an every-down working again within the NFL

In most draft lessons, it’s attainable to seek out starting-caliber working backs on Day 3, because the place is normally loaded with competent gamers. This yr is not any exception, contemplating the unbelievable depth of the working again class. Nonetheless, there may be one man no one is speaking about, however has the possibility to grow to be a star within the NFL; Central Michigan working again Lew Nichols III.

Nichols burst onto the scene early in his collegiate profession, being named the MAC Freshman of the Yr in 2020. Nichols gained the Mid-American Convention Offensive Participant of the Yr Award in 2021, and he was a First Workforce All-MAC choice the identical yr, recording over 2,100 scrimmage yards that season alone.

There isn’t any denying Nichols’ expertise, however is he really a difference-making prospect fitted to the NFL?

Causes to purchase in to Lew Nichols III

Nichols is a well-built working again with a low middle of gravity. He shows wonderful imaginative and prescient to and thru the outlet, and his stability by way of contact is nothing in need of spectacular. Whereas Nichols could not have elite velocity, he has greater than sufficient to dominate at his dimension. If he had been invited to the NFL Scouting Mix, I’d have anticipated a 40 time within the low 4.5s, which is loads quick for a 220-pound working again.

Once you watch his tape, his acceleration by way of the outlet is surprisingly good. As soon as he finds a gap, he can hit it and get by way of it in a rush. Nonetheless, he’s in no hurry to hit a gap, persistently displaying endurance as he waits for the blocks to kind in entrance of him. Nichols additionally shows robust instincts as a runner, all the time seeming to have a way as to the place a gap goes to open up.

On prime of Nichols’ potential as a runner, he’s a dependable go protector and receiver. He does an excellent job choosing up blocks within the backfield and using his dense body to his benefit. As a receiver, Nichols hardly ever drops a ball, and his decisiveness within the open subject makes him tough to deliver down after the catch. If given the chance to show all these abilities on the NFL degree, he’ll get enjoying time early in his profession.

Causes for concern with Lew Nichols III

Lots of the considerations with working backs merely come right down to the model of again you might be on the lookout for. For example, he’s not a man who’s going to cease on a dime on the second degree, make a linebacker whiff, and be again at full velocity in half a second. Then once more, for a working again his model, it’s not the top of the world. One concern that will have an effect on his general ceiling is his lack of ability to place it into second gear when he cuts upfield. He has one degree of working velocity, and that velocity doesn’t fluctuate a lot, neither up nor down.

A minor downside I’ve come throughout with Nichols is holding the soccer within the mistaken hand. When working exterior the shoulder of a block, Nichols doesn’t take note of which hand the ball is in, and every so often, the ball shall be within the hand closest to the block. It didn’t damage him in faculty, however within the NFL, any defender who can disengages from that block could have a golden alternative to strip the ball. It’s a minor and comparatively simple repair Nichols can doubtless get hammered out as early as rookie minicamp. Nonetheless, it’s one thing to regulate shifting ahead.

Lew Nichols tape and highlights

Athletic testing numbers for Lew Nichols III

Nichols was not invited to the 2023 NFL Scouting Mix, however at his professional day, he measured in at 5’9, 222 kilos, recorded 22 bench reps in addition to a 37” vertical. I’d have appreciated to see him run a 40, however I don’t consider there’s a main velocity concern with him, as some analysts do.

What others are saying about Lew Nichols III

Here’s a portion of the abstract from The Draft Community on Nichols:

Whereas Nichols routinely hit large performs in faculty, he displayed simply above-average top-end velocity and oftentimes was caught from behind down the sector. Within the passing recreation, Nichols was very productive as a dump-off and leak-out possibility the place he confirmed a pure potential to catch the ball and make one thing occur within the open subject. He didn’t present a capability to run routes or be a real difference-maker on third down. Nichols does present a willingness to go block and has the dimensions to anchor in opposition to the push, however his angles and hand placement want enchancment.

Presently, Nichols ranks as my RB8 in a deep class of working backs. Along with his dimension, energy, contact stability, pass-blocking prowess, and gentle fingers, there isn’t any motive why he can not grow to be a three-down again within the NFL.