Zach Charbonnet 2023 NFL Draft Profile
I initially wasn’t in on Zach Charbonnet but I’ll be the first to admit that he’s grown on me over the years. Charbonnet’s time at UCLA certainly raised his stock and has shown he has the potential to become a factor at the NFL level. Let’s take a look at the Zach Charbonnet 2023 NFL Draft Profile to take a closer look.
For starters, Charbonnet checks all the boxes from a size and measurable standpoint. 6-foot, 214 is pretty much what you’re looking for out of a potential workhorse back. The 4.53 time is what Dalvin Cook ran and nobody considers him slow. 37-inch vertical is also a plus for the position.
At the combine, I was impressed with the movement skills. It’s nothing to write home about but certainly better than what was expected. Almost has some shades of a smaller Brandon Jacobs that can catch. AJ Dillon for the more modern comp. Actually runs routes well and can catch. Bit of an upright running style but never feel like it impedes his cuts.
Cares about pass protecting. Doesn’t go down easy. No lengthy fumbling track record. Improved and upped his stock at UCLA. Runs better than expected and can scoot if needed. Just an all around quality back.
Charbonnet was first team all Pac-12 this past year after finishing second team in 2021. The last two years at UCLA were really good. 2022, however, was a career high. Really efficient too. The former Michigan product averaged seven yards per carry in 2022. It was all part of a 1,359 rushing yard season along with 14 touchdowns. More importantly, he displayed all the things that are so different from a normal Chip Kelly running back. Good at bouncing the ball outside but also big enough to where he never looks small doing it.
I’m a Zach Charbonnet believer. If he’s there in the 5th round, go ahead and take your shot. Not sure I’m willing to go higher than that but the team drafting him should get their hands on a quality back for the duration of his rookie contract.
