Ranking 5 best running backs in 2023 NFL draft
2. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
NFL Comparison: Arian Foster
Zach Charbonnet is a fourth-year player who transferred from Michigan after two seasons. He was a big-name prospect who was playing as a freshman, but the COVID season changed things with his status at Michigan, and he left for UCLA.
He spent two seasons as the Bruins lead back, and he went over 1,000 rushing yards in the past two years. He added 27 rushing touchdowns in that span. Of all the backs, he is definitely the most well-rounded. He is great as an inside runner, and while he is not a bulldozer, he has the power.
#UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 28, 2023
6-foot, 214.
Downhill play-speed on tape. Can attack the edges on perimeter schemes. Runs through contact. Pass catching ability. Shows up in protection. I see three-down traits, here. pic.twitter.com/5yx2zu6TDE
Still, his vision as an outside-zone runner is excellent. He also is the best protector and is a reliable pass protector. Charbonnet compares to Arian Foster because both of them can wiggle, shake and make plays in tight spaces, while also excelling at getting outside and letting the blocks develop. Both are strong in the passing game, but like Foster, the one weak area for Charbonnet is his lack of big play explosion. In the right scheme, this is a great fit.
Charbonnet is expected to go around the late second or early third round. If the Chicago Bears did want a three-down back, this is probably their time.