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

In most draft courses, it’s attainable to search out starting-caliber working backs on Day 3, because the place is often loaded with competent gamers. This 12 months isn’t any exception, contemplating the unbelievable depth of the working again class. Nevertheless, there’s one man no person is speaking about, however has the possibility to turn out 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 Group All-MAC choice the identical 12 months, recording over 2,100 scrimmage yards that season alone.

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

Causes to purchase in to Lew Nichols III

Nichols is a well-built working again with a low heart of gravity. He shows wonderful imaginative and prescient to and thru the outlet, and his stability by means of contact is nothing wanting spectacular. Whereas Nichols might 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 might have anticipated a 40 time within the low 4.5s, which is a lot quick for a 220-pound working again.

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

On high of Nichols’ potential as a runner, he’s a dependable move protector and receiver. He does an amazing job choosing up blocks within the backfield and using his dense body to his benefit. As a receiver, Nichols not often drops a ball, and his decisiveness within the open discipline makes him troublesome to convey down after the catch. If given the chance to show all these expertise on the NFL stage, he’ll get enjoying time early in his profession.

Causes for concern with Lew Nichols III

Most of the considerations with working backs merely come right down to the fashion of again you’re on the lookout for. As an illustration, he’s not a man who’s going to cease on a dime on the second stage, make a linebacker whiff, and be again at full velocity in half a second. Then once more, for a working again his fashion, it isn’t the tip of the world. One concern that will have an effect on his total ceiling is his incapacity to place it into second gear when he cuts upfield. He has one stage of working velocity, and that velocity doesn’t fluctuate a lot, neither up nor down.

A minor drawback I’ve come throughout with Nichols is holding the soccer within the fallacious hand. When working exterior the shoulder of a block, Nichols doesn’t take note of which hand the ball is in, and occasionally, the ball might 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 can have a golden alternative to strip the ball. It’s a minor and comparatively straightforward repair Nichols can doubtless get hammered out as early as rookie minicamp. Nonetheless, it’s one thing to control transferring 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 might have preferred 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 sport, 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 discipline. He didn’t present a capability to run routes or be a real difference-maker on third down. Nichols does present a willingness to move block and has the dimensions to anchor in opposition to the frenzy, 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 smooth arms, there is no such thing as a cause why he can’t turn out to be a three-down again within the NFL.