Lew Nichols III 

Player Bio
Nichols was an all-state player at Cass Technical High School in Detroit before signing with Central Michigan. He played in four games while redshirting in 2019 (19-89-4.7 rushing) and then broke out in 2020, winning MAC Freshman of the Year honors as CMU's leading rusher (78-508-6.5, four TDs rushing; 10-109-10.9, one TD receiving in six appearances). Nichols was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, leading the FBS with 341 carries for 1,848 yards and tying for 10th with 16 rushing touchdowns in 13 games. He also caught 40 passes for 338 yards (8.5 per) and two scores. Nichols was limited due to injury in 2022 but still led the team in rushing (176-616-3.5, six TDs; 21-128-6.1 receiving in nine games). -- by Chad Reuter

Overview
Early down back with good size and power. Nichols runs with solid vision and the ability to create yardage after contact, but he needs room to gain momentum and doesn’t have the wiggle to create for himself if the blocking falters. He’s smooth in his cuts, but he lacks the suddenness and play speed to stay a step ahead of NFL defenders. Nichols has an outside chance of making an NFL roster.

Strengths
Runs low to the ground and with good contact balance.
Fluid downhill change of direction with smooth hips.
Adequate jump-cut to move a gap over if needed.
Power to create yardage after contact.
Can run routes out of the backfield.

Weaknesses
Below-average burst through the line.
Average short-area movement to elude in tight quarters.
Lacks perimeter speed to outrun NFL defense to the edge.
Catches the football with clapping hands.
Very little special teams experience.

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I was expecting a RB to be taken. They were in no hurry to do it. Gutey pick. Waited until he was ready,

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Looks like a north-south grinder that has alright but not great speed. 

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I've heard he's Aaron Jonesesque. Dude's getting near 30.

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Jamaal Williams like...if he is decent a blitz pick-up, a great pick.  Regardless, seems like very  strong value in the 7th round.

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