Lew Nichols III RB Central Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Lew Nichols III RB Central Michigan
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 03/25/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.50 seconds (70%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 23.2 DOB: 08/16/2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |
| Last Updated: 03/25/2023 | |
| Draft Year: 2023 | |
| 40 time: 4.50 seconds (70%*) | |
| Age: 23.2 DOB: 08/16/2001 | |
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| Overall Rating: |
75.0 / 100
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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73% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
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66% |
| Break Tackles: |
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66% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
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66% |
| Pass Blocking: |
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66% |
| Run Blocking: |
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66% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#283
Position rank:
#27
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| College Games: 32 College Snaps: 1525 | ||
ESPN RATING: 75/100
College Combine Results
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OVR Rank:
#122
Pos Rank:
#85
State Rank:
#26
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 85.1/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.6 (92%)
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Drafted: ROUND: 7 - Pick Number: 235 (GB)
Draft Profile: Bio
Lew Nichols III from Cass Technical High High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Nichols III joined Central Michigan.In 2019 as a freshman Nichols III saw action in 4 games for the Chippewas as he ran for just 89 yards on 19 attempts for 4.7 yards per carry, with no TDs, with no fumbles. As a receiver he made no receptions for no yards.
As a sophomore in 2020 he played 6 games. and rushed for 502 yards on 78 carries for an outstanding 6.4 ypc, with 4 TDs, with 2 fumbles. In the passing game he pulled in just 10 receptions for 109 yards.
In 2021 as a junior Nichols III saw action in 13 games for the Chippewas. He ran for an outstanding 1846 yards on 340 attempts for an excellent 5.4 ypc, with 16 TDs, with one fumble. As a receiver he made 39 receptions for 320 yards.
As a senior in 2022 he played in 9 games and ran for 616 yards on 175 carries for just average of 3.5 ypc, with 6 TDs, with 2 fumbles. In the passing game he had 21 receptions for 128 yards.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Nichols often thrived in the screen game, transitioning upfield quickly and showing a knack for following his blocks. He has the size and strength to pass protect.
- Nichols shows exceptional toughness and good balance running between the tackles, and Nichols was excellent when it came to finishing runs.
- He’s solid in blitz pickup, and he consistently showed the ability to anchor against bigger players.
- His skills as a runner translate nicely to the next level, and he could emerge as an early down back on a team that uses a zone running scheme.
- Doesn't possess elite breakaway speed, but is fast enough to gain yardage in chunks when he finds a seam.
- He’s at his best working in space, showing the quickness and vision of a return specialist. His stop-start ability allows him to create initial separation.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- A one-speed runner and lacks any explosive qualities with tight hips. Has poor balance and has the bad habit of losing coordination when changing directions - his feet and upper body look to be on two different pages.
- Nichols has constantly ran a limited route tree.
- He’s not going to threaten to take the top off of a defense.
Lew Nichols III percentiles vs other Running Backs (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Lew Nichols III (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
317.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
33.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.