Jeremy McNichols, RB , Boise State: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Sep 25, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jeremy McNichols (13) carries the ball for a touchdown past Virginia Cavaliers safety Kelvin Rainey (38) in the second quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 2017 NFL Draft soon approaching, we take a look at a playmaking running back that has mid-round value, Jeremy McNichols

The Boise State football program has made a sizable rise in the last decade. Maybe not to the level of Clemson, Alabama, USC, or Michigan, but the program has risen to a respectable level.

During the past several seasons, Boise State has produced a number of low-profile players who had productive careers in Boise. Interestingly, they have also churned out a few starting running backs, some you may have heard of (Jay Ajayi, Doug Martin). In the forthcoming 2017 NFL Draft, the Broncos have another little known running back who has eye-popping numbers during his collegiate career. A back with enough value for a team to truly consider. That running back we will discuss today is Jeremy McNichols.

Measurables

Height: 5’9

Weight: 215 lbs

Strengths: Small but solid frame…..Displays fluidity in his hips along with agility to make cuts…..Really good vision that goes alongside patience to allow blocks to develop…..Second team All-Mountain West honors in 2015, 2016…..Ran for 3,046 total rushing yards the past two seasons plus 53 total touchdowns during the same span….88 total catches in the past two seasons…..Tough runner who at times absorbs contact to pick up extra yardage…..Ability to split out wide as a wide receiver…..Sound footwork showed by good anticipation of tacklers…..Soft hands as a receiver.

Weaknesses: Lacks breakaway speed to distance himself from defenders, more quick than fast…..Unreliable in pass protection, often resorts to undercutting defenders which results in whiffs…..Not enough size to be a primary back…..Seems to hesitate at times when running in between the tackles.

Bottom line: The crop of running backs in the 2017 NFL Draft is the deepest it has been in several seasons. For the most part, McNichols is going to have to work a little harder to make himself known because of it. On the surface, his stats scream productivity and play making ability, which McNichols clearly possesses.

What he is missing are the traits that separate “lead back” from “rotational back”. McNichols has middle-to-late round value, specifically the fourth or fifth round, that will have several teams wanting to bring him aboard. Finding the right team and the right scheme will allow McNichols to be a solid change-of-pace, third down back type prospect. At the next level, he will need to work on pass protection to become a little more well-rounded.

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