Central Michigan RB Lew Nichols taking pre-draft visit with Packers
By Paul Bretl
Central Michigan running back Lew Nichols will be taking an official pre-draft visit with the Green Bay Packers, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Each NFL team is permitted 30 official visits prior to the draft.
Nichols measures in at 5’11” and weighs 222 pounds, but he has not registered a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) at this time. He will be finishing up his pro-day drills on Monday, added Birkett, after navigating a hamstring injury this offseason.
Unfortunately, Nichols’ 2022 season was shortened to nine games as he dealt with an injury. As a focal point of the Central Michigan offense, he still had 175 rush attempts during that span and averaged 3.5 yards per carry with six touchdowns.
The 2021 season, however, was Nichols’ breakout year. He led the NCAA in rushing, accumulating 1,707 yards at 5.5 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns. He also ranked tied for fifth in total yards after contact, 16th in missed tackles forced, and had the most rushes of 10 or more yards, according to PFF ($$).
Although Nichols’ primary responsibility was as a ball carrier, he still had 75 targets over his final two seasons in the passing game. Nichols would catch 77% of those passes at 6.9 yards per catch. He spent almost no time lined up in the slot or out wide.
Nichols is The Draft Network’s 17th-ranked running back in this class, and if the Packers are going to select him, it’s going to come later on Day 3. For a closer look at his game, here is a snippet of what Brentley Weissman wrote in his pre-draft report:
"“Overall, Nichols projects as a top backup who has some starter qualities but his lack of elusiveness, speed, and third-down ability hurt his outlook as a potential future starter.”"
Although the Packers still have Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, addressing the running back position could very well be on their radar in this year’s draft. Jones is a potential cut candidate next offseason, while Dillon is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Matt LaFleur has also previously spoken about the value of having a third running back to lean on.
Whether it be Nichols or another running back, that player is likely going to play a somewhat small role in 2023, with Jones and Dillon shouldering the bulk of the workload.
In addition to being a ball carrier, running backs also have to be effective pass-catchers and have to hold their own in pass protection to be an effective member of the LaFleur offense at that position.
Other reported top 30 meetings that the Packers will have are with Darnell Washington (TE), Keion White (Edge), Will McDonald (Edge), Jammie Robinson (S), Jordan Howden (S), Hendon Hooker (QB), Dontayvion Wicks (WR), Marte Mapu (S/LB), Keaton Mitchell (RB), and Darnell Wright (OT).