Zach Charbonnet
Summary
Zach Charbonnet was selected in the 2nd Round (#52 Overall) in the 2023 Draft out of UCLA. Charbonnet offers a compelling combination of size, strength, acceleration, and versatility. His strengths are front‑and‑center: dominant contact balance, second‑level burst, and receiving potential. His main limitations—especially his elite breakaway speed, lateral wiggle, and refined pass‑game skill—are manageable and typical for a young back transitioning to a full NFL workload. If he develops those areas and locks into a role with significant touches, he has the tools to be a high‑impact running back.
Strengths
Power & contact balance: Charbonnet routinely finishes runs standing up, chaining steps after first contact, and keeps a forward‑lean to maximize gains. Charbonnet is a bowling ball in short‑yardage and goal‑line scenarios, able to churn through arm tackles and blockers. CBS Sports+1
Acceleration & burst to the second level: While not an elite straight‑line burner, he has shown enough burst and decisive acceleration to hit creases and bounce to the outside. Good vision to identify the cutback or seam, using his size to press the line of scrimmage and get into the second level. NFL Draft Buzz
Receiving ability & versatility: Worked as a receiver out of the backfield in college, showing reliable hands and ability to adjust to throws. His frame and skill‑set allow for matchup flexibility: can contribute between the tackles and in space. Bleacher Report
Durability and workhorse traits: At UCLA he produced over 1,300 yards and double‑digit touchdowns in his junior season, showing he can handle heavy workloads. His body type and running style suggest he can hold up under a feature‑back role.
Weaknesses
Top‑end home‑run speed / breakaway ability: While his burst is solid, scouts note he lacks elite “gear” to consistently break long runs from the NFL level; he may be caught from behind on some runs. His long‑speed testing is good but not elite, which limits his home‑run upside. Bleacher Report
Change‑of‑direction and elusiveness: Some evaluations mention his hips are somewhat stiff and that he can lose momentum when changing direction or when waiting too long for a hole. He is more “run‑through you” than “run‑around you,” which may reduce his ability to consistently generate big chunks via evasion. NFL Draft Buzz
Pass‑protection and route‑tree depth: Although he’s shown receiving chops, his experience as a route‑runner is less developed; he was less often used in complex receiving roles in college. His pass‑blocking technique and experience are also cited as areas needing refinement. Bleacher Report
Committee/usage concerns: In a team situation with competition for touches or transitional offensive schemes, his ceiling may be somewhat capped until he earns full feature‑back status.
Fit & Outlook
Charbonnet projects as a three‑down back with strong upside if given the opportunity to lead an offense. He is well‑suited to complement an offense that uses power‑run themes, drives inside‑zones, and also incorporates the pass game for backs. If he improves his lateral agility, expands his receiving role, and becomes a more complete back, he has the potential to be a feature back capable of 1,000+ yard seasons and double‑digit TDs. His ceiling may depend heavily on offensive scheme, workload share, and his ability to improve the finer points (elusion, pass protection, route‑running).