Dom Nichols DE/EDGE Michigan |
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Very light frame for an edge, so he struggles against drive blocks
• Missed five tackles in six games this season
• Average timed speed limits his bend on wide rushes
• Limited experience, with about 400 defensive snaps over the last two seasons

Scouting Report: Summary

Nichols is a quick, long edge rusher who has made the most of a larger role this season. He gets off the ball quickly, reaches the tackle's edge before the blocker is set and plays with constant effort, and he has 14 pressures and 11 run stops in six games. He made seven run stops and four pressures against Western Michigan and six pressures in the win over Oklahoma, and Michigan's official totals credit him with 5.0 tackles for loss in five games.

His production has been consistent at every level. He set school records with 15.5 sacks and 77 pressures as a senior at Oakdale, where his team went 14-0 and won the state title, and he earned the scout team's top defensive award as a freshman before moving into the rotation in 2025. His background as a tight end and state champion basketball player shows in his athleticism and body control.

However, his frame is a long way from finished. He is very light for an edge, so drive blocks and double teams can move him off the ball, and he will need to add strength to hold up as an every-down player. His timed speed is average, which limits his ability to bend and flatten on wide rushes, and he has missed five tackles in six games this season. He has also played only about 400 defensive snaps over the last two seasons, so the sample is small.

Overall, Nichols is a developing pass rusher whose get-off and production give him a clear role on passing downs. He projects as a fourth-round edge rusher who could start at outside linebacker if he adds strength, with the floor of a rotational pass rusher. Teams will also want to know his eligibility plans, since sources differ on his class year.