Zach Charbonnet  |  UCLA 6’1” 222 lbs.  |  01/08/2001 (22)

Zach Charbonnet was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, becoming the third Running Back and 52nd overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Charbonnet started his first two collegiate seasons at Michigan, followed by a two-year stint at UCLA. The move to the west coast turned out to be for the better, as he racked up nearly 2500 yards and 27 touchdowns as a Bruin. He finished his senior season averaging an excellent seven yards per carry on 195 rushing attempts. True workhorse numbers were on display in the stat sheets for the California native. 

FILM

Charbonnet has an elite combination of speed, power, and vision. A combination that should translate easily to the next level. He can find holes rather quickly, and make quick, sharp cuts to get into the second level of the defense. He doesn’t have lightning speed but can drag defenders with him down the field with a full head of steam.

ATHLETIC TESTING

Charbonnet posted a modest 4.53 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, followed by a 37” vertical jump and a 10’ 2” broad jump. He did not participate in the 3-cone drill but did post an 18-rep performance on the bench press. Charbonnet went into the draft with an 8.62/10 RAS score. Simply put, he’s a great athlete. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS

Rapid reaction to draft capital: Great

Rapid reaction to landing spot: Above Average

Charbonnet was selected 52nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Zach Charbonnet was my third-ranked rookie running back heading into the draft. His landing, although not ideal, still lends to good fantasy production. He will immediately be behind 2022 second-round pick Kenneth Walker on Seattles’ depth chart. I expect him to go in the late first or early second round of rookie drafts and has a great chance at having an early stand-alone value in a run-heavy offense to start his career.

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