As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Zach Charbonnet.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Zach Charbonnet (RB – UCLA)
6’1” – 220 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended Michigan, where he underwent knee surgery, recovering in time to rush for 149-726-11 (4.9) over six starts, splitting carries with Hassan Haskins. Totaled just 19-124-1 (6.5) in the shortened 2020 season, and then transferred to UCLA, where he stepped into the starting role and rushed for 202-1,137-13 (5.6), adding 24-197-0 receiving. Increased his output to 195-1,359-14 (7.0) on the ground and 37-321-0 through the air in 2022.
Positives:
Two-year starter and three-year contributor who has shown that he is capable of carrying a full load. Aside from 2020, had escalating efficiency in each season. Big-bodied runner with the size teams look for in a feature back. Should appeal to teams with smashmouth identities favoring a no-nonsense approach to the position, minimizing negative yardage; game is primarily based around barreling ahead and grinding out tough yards. Has above-average footwork to shuffle and hit gaps. Overall speed is adequate or better, and doesn’t need much time to build a head of steam. Punishes defenders at the second level with shoulder-charges. Contact balance is good enough to pinball off of defenders landing glancing blows. Can be elusive in space, with a nice stutter-step. Doesn’t go down easily and consistently falls forward at the end of runs. Has excellent ball security, with just two fumbles over 702 attempts. Has been a pretty reliable safety valve in the passing game (five drops and 74 catches). Strong enough in the lower body to absorb power in blitz pickup.
Negatives:
Has a relatively high amount of tread on his tires, with a playing style that takes a toll. Light on his feet for a player his size, but isn’t one of the quickest or most explosive backs; only two runs of over forty yards this past season, and will probably be more of a reliable gainer with occasional chunks than a home-run hitter at the next level. A tall back with a somewhat high center of gravity. Doesn’t always run with the most knee-bend, exposing his lower body to punishment. Relatively limited in the passing game. Pass protection metrics got worse every year and were bad as a senior. Knee injury from 2019 will get examined at the Combine.
Summary:
A throwback runner who wastes little time charging ahead and wearing down defenses between the tackles, but who also has pretty good footwork to shuffle and find lanes, and can be elusive once he gets into the open field. Could eventually establish himself as the early-down power back in a one-two punch or grind out short yards in a committee, but might not be an ideal option on passing downs. Somewhat reminiscent of James Conner.
Projection: Round 4
Other 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects
- Devon Achane (RB – Texas A&M)
- Tank Bigsby (RB – Auburn)
- Chase Brown (RB – Illinois)
- Zach Evans (RB – Mississippi)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – Alabama)
- Roschon Johnson (RB – Texas)
- Kenny McIntosh (RB – Georgia)
- Kendre Miller (RB – TCU)
- Bijan Robinson (RB – Texas)
- Sean Tucker (RB – Syracuse)
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