The Green Bay Packers have one of the best running back duos in the NFL. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are perfect compliments to each other, both being 1,000+ all-purpose yard threats. With Aaron Rodgers [eventually] heading to the New York Jets, it is a high probability that both backs will have larger roles in the offense in 2023.
The Packers have been fairly smart when it comes to their running back room. They drafted AJ Dillon in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft despite having fan-favorite and now-Detroit Lions single-season touchdown leader Jamaal Williams on the roster. As the team heads into 2023 with their top two running backs intact, the front office is also doing their homework on the future.
The Green Bay Packers Are Meeting with Central Michigan Running Back Lew Nichols III
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Three-time Michigan sportswriter of the year Dave Birkett posted on Twitter on Monday morning that Lew Nichols III has a meeting scheduled with the Packers.
Central Michigan RB Lew Nichols III, who led the NCAA in rushing in 2021, is finishing up his pro day drills today in his return from a hamstring injury. Has a busy calendar w/visits to the Packers already, & Bengals and Broncos upcoming. He'll be at Lions local day workout, too
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) April 10, 2023
Nichols was the NCAA’s rushing leader in 2021 when he ran for 1,848 yards and 16 touchdowns. That year, he also added 40 receptions for 338 yards and another two touchdowns, giving him 2,186 all-purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns.
A hamstring injury limited Nichols to just nine games in 2022. This past season, he rushed 177 times for 601 yards and six touchdowns. His production was also hurt by the fact that Central Michigan was rebuilding their offensive line all season.
The Scouting Report on Lew Nichols III
The following is an excerpt from Lew Nichols III’s scouting report on The Draft Network:
“Nichols is a straight-line athlete who is at his best when he goes north and south. He lacks the lateral agility and fluid hips to change direction and make defenders miss and relies on his blocking and power to turn positive plays. While Nichols routinely hit big plays in college, he displayed just above-average top-end speed and oftentimes was caught from behind down the field.
“In the passing game, Nichols was very productive as a dump-off and leak-out option where he showed a natural ability to catch the ball and make something happen in the open field. He did not show an ability to run routes or be a true difference-maker on third down. Nichols does show a willingness to pass block and has the size to anchor against the rush, but his angles and hand placement need improvement.
“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.”
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Packers have their top two running backs set for 2023. However, they are always looking towards the future. If Jones and/or Dillon are not back in Green Bay for whatever reason in 2024, they want to be ready. Nichols would be a great player to develop while they have the depth at the position.
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