NFL Draft: 10 best running backs available in 2023
By KC Proctor
4. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
After setting a University of Michigan record for most touchdowns by a true freshman (11) in 2019, Zach Charbonnet received virtually zero opportunities as a sophomore. He opted to transfer ahead of his junior year and joined Chip Kelly’s Bruins at UCLA. He instantly embodied the physical brand of football that Kelly’s teams are known for and thrived in that environment.
In two seasons of Pac-12 competition, Charbonnet racked up 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns. He excelled as a pass blocker, and although he lacks the top-end speed that some of his classmates possess, he thrives in ways that no others do.
He is the most patient runner in the class and simply does all the little things well. As a prospect who used up his full eligibility, Charbonnet checks every box that an NFL scout could ask for with his profile. He is a mature player, has proven himself to be durable, and is willing to do the dirty work. He surely wouldn’t tell you this, but if it weren’t for him, Dorian Thompson-Robinson — fifth-year senior QB at UCLA in 2022 — likely wouldn’t even be in a position to be drafted at all.
Zach Charbonnet is the cream of the crop for power backs in this class and will bring a change of place to an NFL club in 2023.