RB, UCLA | 6’1” 220 lbs
Strengths
- A big bodied, NFL ready RB with a patient rushing style that brings both power and burst
- Incredible production through his career, with 3,900 scrimmage yards and 39 TDs…back to back 13+ TD seasons after transferring the UCLA
- Tape is phenomenal…very smooth running style that both powers down defenses while he doesn’t lose a step after big touch-counts
- Great receiving back…role steadily increased over career and had 37 receptions for 321 yards in 2022
- 2022 season he was arguably most valuable player in the country…had over 100 scrimmage yards in every game. 8/10 games he had 100 rushing yard, while he had 95 yards and 78 yards in the 2 games under. 4 games with over 150 rushing yards in ’22.
- Limited career rushes…only eclipsed 200 carries once in 4 years (202 in ’21)
Weaknesses
- Big bodied RB that can theoretically be chopped down…Big tree fall hard.
- Appears to have getaway speed on tape, but how will he test?
- PAC12 notorious for having “soft” defenses…especially against the run.
- Turned 22 in January…not super old, but on older end of class. Was a 4th year senior.
NFL Comparison: Le’Veon Bell
Range: Day 2
Zach Charbonnet could be the biggest sleeper pick in the class and a guy that I’ve been blown away with since his breakout season for the Bruins last year. He started his career as the nations 4th overall RB and committed to Michigan where he spent two season splitting carries with now Titans RB Hassan Haskins. Charbonnet brings great power and size with his 6’1″ 220 lbs frame, yet runs with great CG and pad level. Despite being a bigger back, he never seems “clunky” like similar size players such as Brian Robinson from last year’s class. I truly believe Charbonnet has the potential to be an every down RB in the NFL and will remain a top 5 RB in my rankings barring something unforeseen.
draftidsports.com 