This class is filled with talent and will bring great value to your dynasty squad for the foreseeable future. Dave Heilman (@DynastyDorks) and I (@FFBourbonDude) will discuss the following Running Backs, and if you’re interested in listening in to our initial pre-combine breakdowns, follow the links below.
Our pre-draft consensus rankings are as follows:
This write-up is about our consensus number four running back in the 2023 rookie class, Zach Charbonnet. So let’s get into it.
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Zach Charbonnet – NFL Rookie Draft and Dynasty Watch
Background
A 4-star recruit to Michigan, Zach Charbonnet really showed out with some elite production for a freshman. He, unfortunately, decided to transfer to UCLA after being in a time split with Chris Evans and Hassan Haskins in 2020. He never looked back after amassing over 3,000 all-purpose yards.
Height – 6’1″
Weight – 220 pounds
College Career
2020 Michigans running back room (Preseason)
RB1 Zach Charbonnet (Top 10 CFB RB)
RB2 Hassan Haskins (NFL)
RB3 Chris evans (NFL)
RB4 Christian Turner (WF)
RB5 Blake corum. (Best rb in cfb)The best rb in the country at one point was RB5 at Michigan . pic.twitter.com/JQv9X15r5d
— TruzzzzzM (@1GoBluePoole) November 18, 2022
A 4-star recruit who committed to Michigan and had a stellar freshman year, going for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns. He fell out of opportunity and entered the transfer portal. Charbonnet ended up going to Chip Kelly and the UCLA Bruins and never looked back.
He put together back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and another 61 catches for 518 yards receiving. He does provide a true 3-down skill set.
| Att | Yds | TD | Rec | Yds | Rec TD | |
| 2019 | 149 | 726 | 11 | 8 | 30 | 0 |
| 2021 | 202 | 1,137 | 13 | 24 | 197 | 0 |
| 2022 | 195 | 1,359 | 14 | 37 | 321 | 0 |
RB Pros
Vision
Above-average vision and ability to power through small openings. This is evidenced by his 44 runs of 10+ yards, 7.0 yards per attempt, and 606 breakaway yards.
Cutback Runs
His style reminds me of some of the elite running backs in the NFL with his ability to sense the cutback. This will treat him well as a three-down back who has the skill set to wear a defense down, get them to over-pursue, and break a big run in the fourth quarter with a cutback.
Balance
Charbonnet has the 8th most yards after contact because of this. He is able to break arm tackles and take hits because of his balance and lateral abilities.
UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced
PFF’s 3rd highest graded RB last season🐻 pic.twitter.com/zwFrXt2dq1
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 16, 2023
RB Cons
High Pad Level
He needs to be coached up on running a little lower. As a taller guy at 6’1,” it may be a bit tougher but don’t see this greatly inhibiting him at the next level.
Full Speed Movement
While he is good behind the line of scrimmage laterally, that is not the case when he is at speed. He struggles to make guys miss big runs due to his inability to change direction.
Setting up Blocking
At times, he lacks the patience to allow his blocking to develop or gets ahead of the blocking. I didn’t see much of a difference in zone runs versus gap schemes.
