7 Day 2 prospects the Chicago Bears should target in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Peter Jurich
Chicago Bears Draft Target: Zach Charbonnet - RB, UCLA
In a fairly talented running back class, UCLA's Zach Charbonnet is a name to keep an eye on for the Bears to add on Day 2. At 6'0" and 215 lbs, Charbonnet is a big, physical runner who dominates as a downhill threat. As a freshman at Michigan, Charbonnet was very effective, averaging nearly five yards per carry with 11 total touchdowns.
After a down sophomore season, Charbonnet transferred to UCLA, recording 3,000 total yards and 39 total touchdowns over his last two collegiate seasons. As a big, powerful back, he could work on his abilities in the passing game, as well as hitting his hole a little quicker, but nonetheless, Charbonnet's talent and production warrant a Day 2 selection.
Running back is not the biggest need for the Bears, but it never hurts to add another horse to the stable, especially considering the "running back by committee" approach that the Chicago Bears will likely utilize next season. Despite the signing of power runner D'Onta Foreman in free agency, Charbonnet could still bring some more thunder to Khalil Herbert's lightning.
Pro Comp: James Connor
Like Connor, Charbonnet is a physical, large running back who has a knack for finding the end zone when the field gets shorter. Both players play with a lot of energy and power and rarely go down to first contact. However, neither player should be leaned on as a team's premier back, so a fit in Chicago alongside Herbert might be best for Charbonnet's career in the NFL.
Other RBs to consider:
Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) will likely be off the board early in the second round, but Devon Achane (Texas A&M), Tyjae Spears (Tulane), and Roschon Johnson (Texas) are other names the Chicago Bears could bring in to add fresh legs to the running back room, with the latter two providing a more downhill threat, similar to Charbonnet.