Could Lew Nichols III Be the Steelers’ Breakout Camp Sleeper?

If the Steelers learned anything from current starting running back Jaylen Warren, it’s that their next training‑camp breakout might come from the player no one sees coming.

When we last saw former Green Bay Packers seventh‑round pick Lew Nichols III, he was contributing on special teams against the Indianapolis Colts — a game in which he recorded a shared tackle. But rewind to last preseason, and Nichols was arguably the most efficient running back on the roster, finishing with 87 yards on 11 carries. His best outing came against Tampa Bay, where he posted 42 yards on just three attempts.

That burst and acceleration were reminiscent of his days at Central Michigan, where he became the MAC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the nation in rushing. The Steelers have a history of finding gems from the MAC — quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, former All‑Pro receiver Antonio Brown, and 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison all came from the conference.

Beyond the accolades, what made Nichols stand out at Central Michigan was his ability to carry an offense on his back. He wasn’t just productive — he was the engine of their attack, showing patience behind the line, balance through contact, and a second gear in the open field. That combination of traits is exactly what teams look for in late‑round or overlooked backs who can outperform expectations, and it’s what makes him one of the more intriguing depth pieces entering camp.

Heading into this year’s training camp, Nichols offers the kind of versatility new head coach Mike McCarthy values. And while the additions of Rico Dowdle and Travis Homer create a crowded depth chart, Nichols still has a window to prove his skill set belongs in the conversation. His blend of vision, power, and special‑teams value gives him a realistic path to becoming this year’s unexpected riser — the type of player who forces the Steelers to make room for him, even if the numbers say they shouldn’t.