Zach Charbonnet RB UCLA: Scouting Report

Height: 6’0

Weight: 214

Overall

Zach Charbonnet is a big, consistent running back in UCLA’s power run scheme. He began his career at the University of Michigan where he played in 18 games, starting 9 over 2 seasons. He then transferred to UCLA where he played in 22 games, starting 19. He is a very good athlete with good size and he excels in his short area quickness and power at the end of runs.

Run Game

Charbonnet played primarily in a gap run scheme on film which allowed him to follow his pulling lineman and hit the open gap with power. He runs hard and shows a good burst through the line of scrimmage. He has very quick feet along with a low center of gravity allowing him to quickly change direction and dodge defenders within a short area. While he is a powerful runner, he does not rely on breaking tackles to create big plays; rather he uses his elusiveness and burst to get in space then lowers his pads and drives his legs after contact to grind for extra yardage. He excels on short yardage runs and on the goal line. At the 2nd level he has good speed to get to the edge but he lacks home run hitting speed and is easily chased down within 30 yards up the field. He is a consistent, natural runner who may not often create explosive plays but he will gain the tough, important yardage needed to sustain drives and win games.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Charbonnet has good hands and can make defenders miss after the catch with his quick feet and balance. He made some very good plays in the pass game on film when used as a checkdown option, which is how he should be used in the next level. He did not show any pass blocking experience on film but with his size and strength, he should be able to develop into a good pass blocker.

Last Word

Charbonnet is a very consistent all-around running back. He projects best in a gap run scheme where he can run more in between the tackles rather than to the sideline. He is a north-south runner who can pick up consistent yardage on early downs and have an impact in the pass game but he lacks the explosiveness to be a big playmaker in the pros. He can excel in a committee style role where he primarily is used on early downs and occasionally out of the backfield as a checkdown receiver.

One-Liner: Zach Charbonnet is a consistent running back who will grind out tough yardage after contact and make defenders miss with his short area quickness but he lacks the explosiveness to be an every down runner in the NFL.

Grade: 6.6 (Lower End Starter on 1st and 2nd Down)

Games Watched: 2022 - Washington, USC, Oregon, Utah

Team Fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars