In most draft courses, it’s attainable to search out starting-caliber operating backs on Day 3, because the place is often loaded with competent gamers. This yr is not any exception, contemplating the unimaginable depth of the operating again class. Nevertheless, there may be one man no person is speaking about, however has the possibility to turn into a star within the NFL; Central Michigan operating 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 Staff 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 suited to the NFL?
Causes to purchase in to Lew Nichols III
Nichols is a well-built operating again with a low heart of gravity. He shows wonderful imaginative and prescient to and thru the opening, and his steadiness by way of contact is nothing wanting spectacular. Whereas Nichols could not have elite pace, he has greater than sufficient to dominate at his measurement. If he had been invited to the NFL Scouting Mix, I’d have anticipated a 40 time within the low 4.5s, which is lots quick for a 220-pound operating again.
While you watch his tape, his acceleration by way of the opening is surprisingly good. As soon as he finds a gap, he can hit it and get by way 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 type 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 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 hardly ever drops a ball, and his decisiveness within the open area makes him tough to deliver down after the catch. If given the chance to show all these expertise on the NFL degree, he’ll get enjoying time early in his profession.
Causes for concern with Lew Nichols III
Most of the considerations with operating backs merely come all the way down to the model of again you’re in search of. As an illustration, he isn’t a man who’s going to cease on a dime on the second degree, make a linebacker whiff, and be again at full pace in half a second. Then once more, for a operating again his model, it isn’t the top of the world. One concern which will have an effect on his general ceiling is his incapability to place it into second gear when he cuts upfield. He has one degree of operating pace, and that pace 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 operating exterior the shoulder of a block, Nichols doesn’t take note of which hand the ball is in, and occasionally, the ball shall be within the hand closest to the block. It didn’t damage him in school, 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 simple repair Nichols can seemingly get hammered out as early as rookie minicamp. Nonetheless, it’s one thing to keep watch over 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 favored to see him run a 40, however I don’t consider there’s a main pace 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 school, he displayed simply above-average top-end pace and oftentimes was caught from behind down the sector. Within the passing recreation, Nichols was very productive as a dump-off and leak-out choice the place he confirmed a pure potential to catch the ball and make one thing occur within the open area. 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.
At the moment, Nichols ranks as my RB8 in a deep class of operating backs. Together with his measurement, energy, contact steadiness, pass-blocking prowess, and delicate arms, there isn’t a motive why he can’t turn into a three-down again within the NFL.
